Sajjan Kumar's charisma comforts brother Ramesh Kumar

NEW DELHI: Though he has been the MP from South Delhi for five years, people still refer to Ramesh Kumar as the brother of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar. And he is not ready to shrug that mantle off yet. On his campaigns, Ramesh depends heavily on the charisma of his brother Sajjan Kumar.

The latter was denied ticket in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections following protests over his alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The seat went to his brother instead, who has been re-nominated.

"He is my brother and a father-figure. I have learnt politics from him. There is no need to come out of his shadow. I want to do good for people with his guidance and support only," said Ramesh Kumar. The Congress leader held padyatra in Ambedkar Nagar on Thursday morning followed by three public meetings - all of which were attended by Sajjan Kumar.

Opposition parties claim that the South Delhi MP has done little work in his five-year tenure and lacks in personality. "I am a simple man out there to do social service. Throwing my weight around is not my purpose. As for the work done, you can ask anyone in the constituency if his or her grievances have gone unaddressed," said Ramesh.

The soft-spoken and simple leader moves around without any supporters, unlike most other candidates. "For the last few days, I have been getting out to campaign at 8am and reach home around 9-10pm. I get home-cooked food to eat while out," he said. Congress lost all assembly seats in South Delhi parliamentary constituency in the recent elections, including Sangam Vihar where Sajjan Kumar's son was contesting. BJP won seven seats and remaining three seas went to Aam Aadmi Party. Congress faced a major embarrassment when people left Rahul Gandhi's first major rally in Ambedkar Nagar even as he spoke. Several poll surveys have shown that Congress may lose the south Delhi seat due to anti-incumbency.

Ramesh Kumar said these "doomsday predictions" will be proved wrong when the results are declared. "AAP fooled innocent people by promising cut in power tariffs and 700 litres of free water to each household among others which they could not fulfil. People have seen through their deceit and they will not win again. As for BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri, I defeated him in 2009 by over 90,000 votes. This time, the margin will be bigger," he said.