I have to finish father’s undone work: Umesh Patel

KHARSIYA: The Jeeram Ghati massacre in May changed the life of a software engineer, thrusting him into the rough and tumble of politics. After Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel — who Rahul Gandhi says was sure to be CM — and his elder son were killed by Naxals, the party decided to pitch his younger son Umesh from Kharsiya.

Back home for a quick bite after campaigning on Sunday, Umesh told TOI he remembers every minute of that lifechanging massacre but rationalizes it by thinking of destiny.

On who was behind the Naxal massacre.

It is tough to live with the suspense of how and why it happened. I have assumptions but no evidence. I will speak only after NIA gives its report.

Was there a security lapse?

Even Raman Singh conceded there was security lapse.

How his life changed.

I am a software engineer, worked in the US and then was in Bangalore. I had no responsibility, was not married. I was happy. My father and brother looked after everything. One fine day, all the responsibility fell on me. First I got married, a week later the massacre brought the burden of the family on me. After elections, I will have the burden of the constituency. I am now reconciled to a life of struggle.

On Rahul telling crowds he is Umesh's brother.
I met Rahul for the first time when he came here after the killings. I am grateful for his love and that the Congress family is standing by me in my difficult moment.

If he was scared of joining politics after the killings.

I believe you must do your best and leave the rest to destiny. I think my father has left a lot of work undone. I don't want anything linked to his name to remain unfinished.