April 09, 2009

My campaign is going on at a steady pace. A week before filing my nomination, I traveled in three assembly segments of East Champaran- Narkatia, Raxaul and Sugauli. Meeting after meeting in village after village, men, women and children have responded with warmth and affection. My five years of continuous interaction, through thick and thin, with my people is now overwhelming me with support and hope. Staying overnight in the villages gave us wonderful opportunities to share and to dream. Also to plan a better, prosperous Champaran. The cool evening breeze helps in driving away the day long fatigue of moving under the scorching sun. Moving and interacting with my own people in my own land makes me feel that elections are just a coincidental bridge between us. Since nomination day, I have been getting up very early in Bettiah and setting out for long, long morning walks through the mohallas and hamlets around. People brushing their teeth with datum-twigs- rush forward and join me. Women are increasingly coming out of homes to overtly express their support. Homes welcome me with tea and breakfast but homemakers understand that I have miles to go and don’t insist that I sit down for breakfast. They, instead, join me on my walk through their lanes and by-lanes. Children on way to school wave. The young shake hands. Senior citizens too pat my back with youthful enthusiasm. The support is assuring. The hope high and confidence boosting. It is a developing into a mutually emotional bond. After these long morning walks, I venture out into far flung villages of neighbouring assembly segments. I have so far toured Nautan segment and Maujhaulia block of Bettiah, apart from parts of Chanpatia. Poll Day is still two weeks away. My opponents too, I’m told, are stepping up their campaign. My supporters tell me rumour mongering may be a weapon of my opponents to confuse my mass of support. But I trust my people sense of judgment.

- Prakash Jha.