Arthi baba arrives on pyre to file nomination

Rajan Yadav alias ‘Arthi Baba’ arrived on an ‘arthi’ (pyre) to file his nomination papers with his supporters carrying the pyre on their shoulders. Rajan, who holds a degree in master in International business management from Gorakhpur University ,is contesting from Chauri Chaura seat of Gorakhpur as a Sarvasambhav Party candidate

Rajan Yadav alias ‘Arthi Baba’ arrived on an ‘arthi’ (pyre) to file his nomination papers at the Collectorate along with his supporters who carried it on their shoulder. Rajan, who decided earlier to contest election as an independent candidate, will now fight on the ticket of Sarvasambhav Party, the political outfit floated by the brother of Bollywood comedian Rajpal Yadav.

Arthi Baba Rajan on his way to file his nomination papers (HT Photo)

Rajan, who holds a degree in master in International business management from Gorakhpur University ,is contesting from Chauri Chaura seat of Gorakhpur . “The returning officer gave more time to a candidate from the Samajwadi Party and overlooked me when I reached there for filing nomination papers. They did not take my candidature seriously and have asked me to visit again with a fresh notary,” said Arthi Baba. He was referring to SP candidate Manurajan Yadav who also arrived at the collectorate to file nomination papers from the same seat. Interestingly, Arthi Baba runs his election office from a crematorium ground and begs people arriving there to raise fund for fighting elections. He also visits voters on his ‘arthi’ and washes their feet with water to seek their votes . Son of a small farmer in Nandanagar, arthi baba has unsuccessfully contested two assembly election and one general election. The prevailing corruption and desire to improve the system led him join politics. “An alive person on an arthi symbolises the condition of a common man who is badly affected by corruption in the system,” said Rajan.