Meet the ''poorer'' candidates of Haryana Assembly elections

Bhartesh Singh Thakur
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 19

Bijender Kumar has no assets to boast of, unlike his rivals these assembly elections. The 42 -year-old labourer is going to contest the election as an independent candidate from Rai. His only source of money for campaigning is donations from well-meaning people.        

“I am fighting to serve society,” he said.

Bijender Kumar isn’t the only one taking on the might of seasoned, and "well-heeled", politicians these elections—also on the list are unemployed people, daily wagers and physically challenged people with very little or no assets, and who campaign either on foot, or use a cycle.   

Here’s a list of the others.

Satbir Singh: A social worker, 51 Satbir Singh is contesting from Gharaunda on Republican Party of India (A) ticket. He has no assets to declare, and campaigns on a three-wheeler. “I am relying on donations. I am fighting for the poor and to realise the dreams of Bhimrao Ambedkar.” 

Harpal: Kharkhauda (SC) Independent candidate Harpal, 33, also has no assets. “I am alone managing my election. I either use a cycle or campaign on foot.” 

Manoj Kumar: An Independent candidate, Manoj Kumar is contesting from Adampur. He has declared assets of Rs 5,000. 

Rani Devi: She is contesting the assembly elections from Narnaund segment on Bahujan Mukti Party ticket, and has assets of Rs 6,000. 

Imtiyaz Khan: An Independent contesting from Nuh, and has assets of Rs 11,000. 

Happy Kumar: This 25-year-old student is contesting the elections from Ratia (SC) as a Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation candidate. He is a third year BA student and has total assets of Rs 12,780. “I am contesting to expose the policies of the Modi government and want to make youth aware,” he said.

Sukhchain: Also contesting from Ratia (SC) is 50-year-old Sukhchain, a labourer contesting as a Revolutionary Marxist Party of India candidate. This Marxist has an MA, and has declared Rs 17,025 worth of assets. “I am a comrade. We don’t need money. I am contesting to raise the issues of farmers, labourers, youth and unemployed,” he said.

Surjit Singh: Also contesting from Ratia is Surjit Singh, a candidate from Peoples Party of India (Democratic). Singh is employed as a driver and his wife as a sweeper. He has declared assets worth Rs 71,477. 

Suresh Kumar: This 38-year-old is contesting as an independent candidate from Bawani Khera (SC). Physically challenged, Kumar, who is currently unemployed, relies on the government’s disability allowance of Rs 4,500. “Physically challenged people are supporting me. They are gathering donations for my elections and would contribute in campaigning too on their modified scooters. I am contesting for full implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,” he said.

Rakesh Kumar: This 34-year-old labourer contesting as an independent candidate from Bawal (SC) has declared his assets as being worth Rs 81,284. Like several others, he either uses his cycle for campaigning, or campaigns on foot. “Labour unions are collecting money for my election. I am fighting for them. I am contesting to highlight unemployment and for strengthening Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA),” he said.