Banking on his tea-seller image, 59-year-old Balram Bari has entered the electoral fray to try his luck for the 19th time.
Contesting as an independent, Bari who sells tea on the roadside at Gandhi Gali in Chandni Chowk, says he is also a "chai wala like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been in his earlier days".
"If Narendra Modi can become a Prime Minister after facing so many hurdles, why can't I win a mere assembly election," Bari told PTI radiating confidence and determination.
Bari has contested 18 elections including municipal, Loksabha and assembly elections from the BJP bastion since 1989 despite his deposit getting forfeited everytime, except the 2012 civic polls when the seat was reserved for a woman.
But he hopes that fortune will smile at him this time.
This time he has taken money from his wife and relatives to fill the form.
"I don't have a bandwagon to promote myself. Neither do I have a car nor a mobile phone. I just have my confidence and belief that my good intentions will get paid off this time. I know the problem of this area very well.
Like all other contesting candidates who have campaigning hard last few days, Bari also put in all his efforts as he visited each and every household in his constutiency and spoke about his "vision" on various issues plaguing the capital.
When he was campaigning, his daughter looked after the tea-stall.
Bali is ready to take on his opponents, Alka Lamba from AAP and Sunil Kumar Gupta from BJP.
"I have a feeling that no single party will get a majority in this elections and if I win I will support only the one who delivers and not just makes promises," he added.
