Priya shows House skills

Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi is campaigning with a video cassette of his performance in Parliament.

Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi is campaigning with a video cassette of his performance in Parliament. It is an integral part of any of his meetings.

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The Congress Chief Whip, a candidate from Raigunj, shows extracts of his speech in Parliament that take up issues concerning Raigunj and Malda. "It is very important that people know that their representative was not a dumb listener in Parliament. I have the advantage, why should I not encash it?" says Dasmunshi.

Besides publicising his performance in Parliament, the most vocal performer in the House has other things to crow about. A handout listing his achievements includes the much wanted railway project in Barsoi-Radhikapur and the railway overbridge at Dalkhola on NH-34. He has also taken credit for a number of roads that run through his constituency and the setting up of computerized railway reservation counters.

However, despite his long list, Dasmunshi may not have a smooth ride this time.

His rivals call him a "foreigner," saying that he spent most of his time in Delhi or abroad. People of Raigunj do not find him when they need him," said a CPI(M) leader.

Regarding his chances this time, Dasmunshi said "The fight is against the communal force of the NDA. People should vote for whoever can fight for the cause of secularism in Parliament better." "In this light, even CPI (M) supporters should vote for me," he quipped.