At a time when the trades of chaiwallas and chowkidars have become part of the political discourse, a humble street hawker in Patna is diligently working to raise awareness about voting and asking the electorate to vote on the basis of a candidate's merit to build a strong democracy.
Through his 'Cycle Jagrukta Yatra', Lal Mani Das travels across the Bihar capital and also tells people to not give in to temptation of money or other material gains offered by others to sway their votes.
Das, 50, is a 'bhunjawallah' -- street snack seller -- and puts up his cart near the Bazaar Samiti, city's huge vegetable and fruits market, but now only hawks the famous snack in the evening, spending early part of the day on his campaign.
Wearing a shirt and a trouser, a pair of slippers, and sporting a cap bearing the Election Commission logo and a slogan, he paddles around in Patna on his bicycle, and distributes pamphlets to people, carrying an appeal to vote wisely.
In front of his bicycle, he has put up a banner that enumerates the qualities a candidate should have, which every voter should keep in mind.
Das, himself wears a big, two-sided banner carrying a message -- 'Respect rights of a citizen. Cast your vote' -- over his shirt to spread the message.
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"Voting is very essential part of ensuring a strong democracy. My first target is to reach out to as many people so that more and more numbers come out and vote on the polling day. Also, I am appealing to them to vote for candidates who have character and those who respect the rule of law," Das told PTI.
On the banner mounted in front of his bicycle, a slogan on the top reads in Hindi -- 'Will respect rights of a citizen, will vote'.
"In this banner I have mentioned 10 points for voters to keep in mind, whether first-timers or old-aged ones. So, first one says, we will elect those people who spend less money during election. And, those who respect the rule of law.
"Also, among those seeking re-election, we should vote for a candidate, who does not create ruckus in Parliament, has an attendance of at least 75 per cent, participates in House debates and who is committed," he said.
Voters should prefer NOTA (none of the above) option if they have to choose among those candidates who often break laws, Das said.
A father of four -- one daughter and three sons, Das who originally hails from neighbouring Begusarai district, says, he moved to Patna 15 years ago, in search of livelihood, and lives with his wife and children in a small house near Bazaar Samiti.
Asked, how much he earns from selling 'bhunja', he said, "I make around Rs 500 to Rs 600 on an average. But, as I am giving more time to my campaign, I am making some losses, but I have no regret."