Agra: Hasnuram Ambedkari will not stop throwing his hat in the ring until he loses as many as 100 elections. A resident of Agra’s Ramnagar, he has so far lost 98 elections since 1985 in a show of defiance of those who deemed him too insignificant to participate in electoral politics.
In conversation with ThePrint, the 78-year-old said he will contest the general election from two seats: Fatehpur Sikri and Agra. This marks the culmination of his other goal to secure 100 electoral nominations.
Recounting his journey of the last four decades, Hasnuram underscored that he financed all of his campaigns independently. These included campaigns for panchayat, local body and Block Development Council (BDC) polls, besides assembly and parliamentary elections. He even pursued a nomination for a Presidential election, which was rejected.
Formerly associated with the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF), Hasnuram says his disillusionment with mainstream political parties stems from a rejection he faced when seeking a ticket from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Also read: Never said I was going to BJP, those who’ve defected have business interests, says Kamal Nath
He recalled being dismissed as inconsequential by his own party, which prompted him to contest as an Independent. He, however, clarified that his electoral pursuits were not motivated by a desire for political reform; rather, they served as a means to establish a personal record.
Reflecting on his past electoral performances, Hasnuram said he garnered 2,768 votes or 0.24 percent of the total votes polled in the seat as a candidate from Agra in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
His latest electoral bid, affirmed Hasnuram, would mark his final endeavour – 100th electoral defeat, followed by retirement.
Asked about his opinion of the state of the Opposition, Hasanuram attributed its silence to the looming spectre of action by law enforcement agencies against leaders of parties opposed to the ruling BJP.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
Also read: Election fever & extreme heat alert—state govts yet to learn from Kharghar deaths