It may sound unbelievable in the context of the present times, but Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat says he started his political career by borrowing Rs 10 from his wife Suraj Kanwar and spent Rs 37 for his first election campaign in 1952.
His maiden political campaign was a sombre affair that cost only Rs 37 but he won the election from Danta Ramgarh constituency, following which there seemed to be no looking back for the sub-inspector-turned-politician.
"Even today my wife says that you have become Vice President due to my significant contribution of Rs 10. I humbly admit it," the 83-year-old Shekhawat told reporters with a smile on his face.
"My campaign was a low-key affair with less expenditure and people liked me. Prior to contesting, I was associated with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and was involved in a lot of party activities," he said.
Shekhawat remained a member of the Rajasthan assembly from 1952 to 1972 from different constituencies.
"Because of my work, people liked me and they wanted me to contest from their constituency. So I contested from Sri Madhupur in 1957, from Jaipur in 1962 and Bali in 1998 and won the elections," he remarked.
Born in a poor family in Khachariawas village in Sikar district of Rajasthan, Shekhawat lost his father at an early age. He joined the state police as a sub-inspector in 1943 to support his family of nine members, including seven brothers and sisters. But he could not continue there for long.
{{/usCountry}}Born in a poor family in Khachariawas village in Sikar district of Rajasthan, Shekhawat lost his father at an early age. He joined the state police as a sub-inspector in 1943 to support his family of nine members, including seven brothers and sisters. But he could not continue there for long.
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