There is no reason to look down for petty Independents and unknown contestants of unknown parties in the polls. Taking the privilege the democracy presents to all and despite knowing fully well that politics nowadays is not exactly a level playing field, the host of underdogs are pitching high and have not left any stone unturned against the mighty.
Mahabir Ram does not have any email id neither has a social media account. The Independent is into the fray from Hatia and pitched himself against the likes of Seema Sharma, who has over Rs 2.76 crore of assets and banner of the BJP behind her. But is not the just matriculate candidate frightened with her or the retired Principal of Marwari College Jawed Ahmed, the JMM nomineeIJ
“Why should IIJ I am fighting with my abilities and focusing in the areas where I have the stronghold. I believe that more than money and personality what matters is your own ideas for your voters. I am ready and rate my chances of wining as 80 per cent,” yells the ‘advocate clerk’ by profession. The Hatia constituency that has the most number of candidates, 29, for December 9 elections also has whopping 12 Independents flexing their muscles.
One of his rivals Shiv Kumar Sahu has “electoral tradition of fighting polls” behind him but missing the desired fuel power required. He has not shown any income in his income tax return and his total asset count stops at Rs 1.35 lakh, the money may not be sufficient for a day expenditure of many poll players.
“Being big is not at all important but becoming their voice. They may be tall leaders but are they close to the votersIJ Though finance is an issue and I am taking help of my old friends and well wishers,” said Sahu contesting on the banner of tiny ‘Navjawan Sangharsh Morcha’.
Whereas for 28-year old Kumari Rakhi the zeal is only thing required to excel. The law graduate of 2013 with total asset of just Rs 1.936 lakh is up against veteran four times Ranchi MlA CP Singh and also the nominees from big banners like JMM and Congress. “I am getting excellent response and I am 100 per cent sure to win the election. I believe if you have passion then no matter whosoever are in front of you, you will win. I am making the voters understand whether their previous representatives have done for them or for themselves,” said the bubbly candidate.
Regardless of the positivity Rakhi admits that she cannot afford the expenditure like the big names and managing her expenses by the contributions coming from her near and dear ones. Moreover an MBA Nishant Kumar threw an open challenge to the stalwarts.
“Who knows any one other than CP SinghIJ He also has not moved beyond naali and sadak. Does he have he any vision for how the garbage and filth around would be cleanedIJ I have presented my vision for Ranchi and saying people that if all the lakes here are beautified this would place the city in the lines of Bangalore or Chandigarh,” presses the candidate while rubbishing the call for just stable Government and ignoring quality of the MlA completely.
While most of such aspirants face dearth of resources, be it fund or cadre, in their fight of democracy and even their umpteen enthusiasm fails to negate the fact coming about candidates said to be roaming with borewell machines and digging hand pumps on demand on their own cost!
The fight between David and Goliath continues.