64-year-old cobbler contests Punjab Assembly poll

Hoshiarpur, Feb 6 (UNI) A 64-year old cobbler is contesting the February 13 Punjab Assembly election from the Sham Chaurasi (reserve) constituency on the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) ticket.

Om Parkash Jakhu, who polishes shoes in his kiosk near local Clock Tower here, has contested two Municipal Council polls, six Assembly elections and three Lok Sabha polls. Besides, he has also contested three panchayat polls.

Though he has never been successful, but still he never gives up. ''I am hopeful that some day I will succeed'', he says.

Mr Jakhu, who studied only upto the primary standard, is a follower of Mr Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister and President of LJP. Mr Paswan had nominated him as a member of the district telephone advisory committee, when he was holding the charge of the Telecommunication Ministry.

The LJP candidate has saved money from his earnings to spend on his election campaign. He has hired a Maruti van at the rate of Rs 400 a day besides he also has to dish out another Rs 300 as daily petrol expenses.

He campaigns from sunrise to midnight, going from village to village soliciting votes for himself. A few of his family members accompany him on his campaign trail.

''Politics is my hobby and I joined politics only for serving the downtrodden'', he tells the voters. '' The rich and criminals have made politics their profession and there is no place for honest, dedicated and patriotic people in politics''.

He also blames the media for only projecting the rich and those with muscle power in politics.

He is not getting any financial help from his supporters and is personally meeting the voters by campaigning door-to-door. In his election speeches he lays a lot of stress on the rising prices of essential commodities.

''Even if I am unsuccessful, I will contest again'', the diehard LJP candidate declares.

UNI