The State BJP unit on Sunday received a shot in the arm as Bhoomi Vikas Bank Chairman Praful Kumar Singh joined BJP in presence of party president Laxman Gilua and general secretary Dipak Prakash. Singh comes from Hussainabad region of Garhwa district, the seat which BJP had never won after the creation of separate state in 2000. However, Singh’s father Awadesh Kumar Singh had represented the seat twice during the united Bihar period.
40-year-old Singh, after working as journalist in various premier newspapers and agencies for few years, left his job to purse career in politics. Singh after completing his studies from Delhi University later joined Pioneer School of Journalism, from where he was absorbed with The Pioneer newspaper. Singh, thereafter worked at various newspapers such as Midday, Reuters, Dainik Bhaskar and later msn.com (the digital platform of Microsoft).
As a journalist he got the opportunity to cover important assignments of President, Prime Minister, and Vice President and travelled more than 30 countries covering important assignments. Singh had received various awards for excellence in journalism.
However, two years back Singh returned to his home town (Hussainabad) for pursing career in politics. In his first political break, he contested the election of chairman of Bhoomi Vikas Bank (Garhwa/Palamu) and even won the election. Sources said that the Bhoomi Vikas Bank is cooperative and has strong influence in Palamu/Garhwa region.
After joining the BJP, Singh Talking to the Pioneer said, “As journalist I had worked with several newspapers and news agencies. But from my childhood I had the dream of serving people of my region and with this aim I decided to leave the job and return to my home town.” Singh further said, “As Hussainabad is one the most backward region of State, I will strive for making Hussianabad as a separate district so that the fruits of development reaches to people.”
Singh comes from political family as his father late Awadesh Kumar Singh had represented Hussainabad as MLA twice (1972-77 and 1995-2000). As socialist leader, Awadesh Kumar Singh was made MLC twice in united Bihar. During united Bihar he had served as cooperative and labour minister.
Singh’s joining BJP assumes importance as, since the creation of separate State Jharkhand, BJP had never won Hussainabad seat. The seat which borders Bihar had been represented by Sharad Pawar’s NCP, RJD and presently by BSP Kushwaha Shivpujan Mehta.