“It does not matter who the LJP candidate is,” declares Dharmendra Kumar Bhagat. “Even a buffalo will get our votes in Paswanji’s name.” The 40-year-old, unemployed man belongs to Kowari Bujurg village, which falls under the Hajipur (reserved) parliamentary constituency in Vaishali district, Bihar. Until a few years ago, he worked as a lorry driver with a beverage company. He now does odd jobs, but that has not made him bitter towards Ram Vilas Paswan, the LJP president who has represented the constituency multiple times since 1977. Far from it, he is eager to give his all to ensure the victory of Paswan’s younger brother, Pashupati Kumar Paras, the party’s nominee from the seat.
Bhagat may not have a steady job, but he says every household in his village has an employed member because of the LJP president. That is why he will, as he has always done, canvass for the party. “We select a team of 10 people for door-to-door campaign in and around our village to ensure the LJP’s victory,” he says. “We...
THIS ARTICLE IS PRICELESS...
To read this piece, and more such stories in India's most exciting and exacting magazine, plus get access to our 25-year archives goldmine, please subscribe.
