This AAP candidate goes where others fear to tread

Times of India, April 2, 2014
Riyan Ramanath V,TNN | Apr 2, 2014, 08.57 AM IST
LANJIGARH (Bhawanipatna): You can see him in the remotest corner of the Kalahandi district carrying a hand-held mike braving the scorching heat. Though not armed with resources like other candidates, the Aam Admi Party (AAP) Lok Sabha nominee for Kalahandi Satya Mahar is seen meeting tribal voters, where no other party nominees have visited till date.

Satya is one of the poorest candidates, as the affidavit filed with the EC revealed. The TOI team spotted him at the weekly market at Palberi, about 85km from Bhawanipatna, where Satya is trying his best to woo the voters.

Satya, who has joined active politics after working as the convener of Niyamgiri Surakshya Samiti (NSS), an outfit fighting against mining by Vedanta Aluminum Limited (VAL) at Lanjigarh, is facing several demands from the voters.

Satya is focusing on ensuring better health services, road connectivity and education for all."I want the tribals to be self-reliant, which can help them come out of doles of disgrace," he told TOI.

On the Niyamgiri issue, he said they had done their part and strengthened the voice of the vulnerable communities. Now, it was their turn to decide the future course. "I don't know how many politicians are taking credit for the Niyamgiri issue. But I give credit to the innocent tribals," said Satya.