BHUBANESWAR: Benudhar Barik, a barber, had shot into the limelight when he had filed nomination as an independent for the Balasore Sadar assembly bypoll in November 2020.
Even though he lost the election, securing just 1,255 votes (0.77%), the dhoti-clad Barik had grabbed eyeballs for his plain attire and election campaign, in which he rode a bicycle to canvass for votes, promising a just society.Undeterred by the loss, Barik, who is now 84, is padding up to contest the forthcoming assembly election from Balasore Sadar as an independent candidate.
“I am still physically fit and active at the age of 84. The people of Balasore Sadar want me to contest the election. I am ready for the electoral battle,” said Barik, a resident of Gudipada village under Sahadevkhunta police station limits.
Barik, who never went to school, is hoping to improve his performance.
Barik said he would move around the constituency on his bicycle and that his supporters will be the star campaigners.
“My low-key campaign may be overshadowed by high-pitched public address systems and blaring sounds announcing the presence of high profile candidates. But I will try to draw the attention of voters by pressing my cycle bell. I do not know why I polled so few votes in the 2020 by-election. I will work harder this time,” Barik said, adding that he wanted to fight against corruption and injustice in society.
Given a chance, Barik said he would improve basic facilities in the constituency. “My chances of winning may look remote, but I am not losing hope. If I win, I will ensure proper communication, drinking water, health facilities and livelihood support for poor people in our area,” Barik said.
Up against money power in the election campaign, Barik said he would borrow a few thousands from his supporters to make the security deposit during filing of nominations. As per his poll affidavit submitted in 2020, Barik did not even possess a PAN card and had zero movable and immovable assets.
Even though he lost the election, securing just 1,255 votes (0.77%), the dhoti-clad Barik had grabbed eyeballs for his plain attire and election campaign, in which he rode a bicycle to canvass for votes, promising a just society.Undeterred by the loss, Barik, who is now 84, is padding up to contest the forthcoming assembly election from Balasore Sadar as an independent candidate.
“I am still physically fit and active at the age of 84. The people of Balasore Sadar want me to contest the election. I am ready for the electoral battle,” said Barik, a resident of Gudipada village under Sahadevkhunta police station limits.
Barik, who never went to school, is hoping to improve his performance.
Barik said he would move around the constituency on his bicycle and that his supporters will be the star campaigners.
“My low-key campaign may be overshadowed by high-pitched public address systems and blaring sounds announcing the presence of high profile candidates. But I will try to draw the attention of voters by pressing my cycle bell. I do not know why I polled so few votes in the 2020 by-election. I will work harder this time,” Barik said, adding that he wanted to fight against corruption and injustice in society.
Given a chance, Barik said he would improve basic facilities in the constituency. “My chances of winning may look remote, but I am not losing hope. If I win, I will ensure proper communication, drinking water, health facilities and livelihood support for poor people in our area,” Barik said.
Up against money power in the election campaign, Barik said he would borrow a few thousands from his supporters to make the security deposit during filing of nominations. As per his poll affidavit submitted in 2020, Barik did not even possess a PAN card and had zero movable and immovable assets.