Mahabal Mishra: Man who proved everyone wrong

‘Lalu Yadav of Delhi’ — it was this image that worked wonders for Mahabal Mishra (56), the Purvanchali leader, who bagged the West Delhi seat on Saturday.

Mahabal Mishra: Congress Winner: West Delhi

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‘Lalu Yadav of Delhi’ — it was this image that worked wonders for Mahabal Mishra (56), the Purvanchali leader, who bagged the West Delhi seat on Saturday.

Everyone said he was fighting a losing battle because his opponent, BJP’s Jagdish Mukhi was a bigger name in Delhi politics, and that a Purvanchali (a migrant from Bihar and UP) would not find takers in a Punjabi/Sikh dominated constituency.

But Mishra is having the last laugh. Not only has he won with a thumping majority of around 1.3 lakh, he has also got more votes from Tilak Nagar, Hari Nagar, Uttam Nagar and Vikas Puri-all Punjabi/Sikh dominated areas. A retired Lance Naik in the Army, Mishra had come to Delhi in the 80s. In 1993, he became an MLA for the first time.

Q) What will be your priority for the constituency?

A) Water is the main issue. There are a number of villages where pipelines are yet to be laid. We will try to extend the metro to ease traffic jams.

Q) What went in your favour?

A) This is a vote for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been accepted once again by the people. It is also in favour of Rahul Gandhi.

(Avishek G. Dastidar with inputs from Neelam Pandey)