The Gandhian credo has come in handy for political parties, known and unknown, but for political greenhorns it’s a virtual calling card. Rajesh Gupta, 50, an accountant-turned security guard at a private bank, has entered the poll fray in Kota with this identity.
Holding a placard with a request for votes in the December 1 polls at different city crossroads, Gupta is a candidate of the Indian Justice Party (IJP); the television is his symbol. “I am contesting polls to raise the common man’s voice against inflation, corruption and crimes against women in society,” he said.
Gupta, who is often called, or, at least has no issue being called ‘Gandhiji’, said he wanted to establish Gandhian principles in society. He has two crucial similarities with his hero — born on October 2, 1963, they share the same birthday, and wear the loincloth.
A commerce post-graduate, Gupta contested the 2003 and 2008 assembly polls. He was second runner-up as independent candidate during the 2003 polls in the Ladpura constituency of Kota district won by the BJP candidate, Bhawani Singh Rajawat; in 2008, he played safe and contested from two seats and lost his security at both.
On asked why he persists despite consecutive losses, he said that he “does not want to give up easily. Ants continue their effort of taking food to their clan despite failures”.
On asked why he persists despite consecutive losses, he said that he “does not want to give up easily. Ants continue their effort of taking food to their clan despite failures”.