Lok Sabha polls 2014: It’s Ram vs Ram in the battle of Hajipur

PATNA: Nonagenarian Ram Sunder Das is sweating buckets but his spirit keeps him going in the heat and dust of campaigning in the run-up to the May 7 polls. The former CM and sitting JD(U) MP from Hajipur, who defeated Ram Vilas Paswan in 2009 by 37,954 votes, is among the oldest candidates to fight a Lok Sabha election.

And he's ready to give Paswan a run for his money this time too.

But LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswans, 68, is leaving no stone unturned to get back his seat. "In the last elections, no one thought Ram Vilas could even lose. Also, votes were divided among candidates from the same community.

But this year, he has reached out to people of all communities and religions," said LJP spokesperson Lalan Kumar Chandravanshi.

The other Ram, meanwhile, leaves his house in Kankarbagh, Patna, in the morning and returns only at night. His determination inspires his younger associates. "Young people, who recently got into politics, can learn a thing or two from Dasji," said Fazel Karim, his aide.

Das, who was fi rst elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991 at the age of 70, rues that national parties have changed over the years and are divided on caste, religious and regional lines.

His simple living and desire to serve the people ensured his victory, according to his associates.

On the other hand, LJP's Lalan said, "It was due to Paswan that Hajipur got national recognition and he did good work for his constituency such as establishing the railway zonal office here. For campaigning, the party has roped in biggies such as Ramkripal Yadav, former deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi and BJP MLA from Hajipur Nityanand Rai. Narendra Modi too is scheduled to visit the constituency on April 30.