Jaipur: Workers rule Deeg, not rajas

Modi hopped in and hopped out, and hoped his charm would work for sitting MLA Digambar Singh, who has yet again been fielded by the BJP from this constituency. But Digambar may not need Modi’s magic after all. Or maybe he will.

Enter Congress candidate and head of Bharatpur’s erstwhile royal family Vishvendra Singh — a firebrand politician who fearlessly takes on bigwigs without flinching. His style of approaching people during the campaigning is quite like the way he talks about issues: FAST. Though he may come across as disdainful, but that’s where a person might get him wrong. There is a certain connect he enjoys with the people; one he probably ‘inherited’ the style of a Maharaja.

A drummer announces his arrival and kids lead the way to their hamlets where women stand with garlands and moist eyes as other shout ‘Maharaja sahab, zindabad, zindabad’. Men, even those older than Vishvendra get up on latter’s arrival. Youngsters too have painted their bikes in Congress colours and roam the streets shouting Vishvendra’s name.

People here believe their “Maharaja” will look out for them, just like his forefathers did. Voters in the constituency, especially the elders, are fond of Singh and that might work in Singh’s favour.

But then why did he lose? Ask the locals and they reveal the secret.

“Maharaja sahab used to operate from his place and would meet people very occasionally. The last two times were the same and so people did not vote for him. But he has changed in the last three years,” a petty shop owner near Kumher said. Ask him about the change and he quickly says, “Arey bhai raja log zameen pe aa gaye aur gareeb ki pareshani samajhne lage, aur kya chahiye (Raja has humbled and understands problems of the poor. What more can we ask for).”

Vishvendra might be a talking point among voters, but people are well aware of, and are happy with, what sitting MLA and BJP politico Digambar Singh has done for them over the past decade.

Unlike Vishvendra, Digambar is calm and mild in his approach.

Though Singh looks mild mannered but he never shies away from addressing a gathering during campaigning and his speeches always win an applause, praises and chants of “Digambar Singh Zindabad, BJP Zindabad”. His supporters gather in tens and are welcomed by locals in a heartwarming way. People offer not just garlands but even fruits, juice, snacks and what not to the MLA as a sign of respect and affection they have for him.

Like Vishvendra, children and ladies turn up to listen to Digambar Singh. However, what Digambar most enjoys is support from farmers in rural areas.

“He has done a lot as the legislator both when BJP was in power and when Congress came,” Hira Meena, a farmer near Deeg said, adding, “His work speaks for itself. If he returns for the third time and BJP comes to power he would do a lot more.”

Voters in the constituency are divided almost equally between the hand and the lotus. However, Vishvendra Singh might have an edge over Digambar Singh as the villages that voted for BJP last time are contemplating voting for the Congress.

It now remains to be seen whether Vishvendra Singh gets “third time lucky” or Digambar Singh retains his position.