'Dhartipakad' Nagarmal Bajoria, who contested 280 elections in India, dies at 97

Nagarmal Bajoria, popularly known as 'Dhartipakad' and who became a familiar figure in Indian elections by contesting more than 280 times over several decades, has died aged 97.

Born in 1930 in Lahore, then part of British India, he migrated to Bihar's Bhagalpur with his family before Independence. Though he became a businessman, contesting elections became a defining part of his life. Regardless of outcomes, his obsession with elections was unmatched.

He died in Patna on Thursday and his final rites will be performed in Bhagalpur. His last journey will culminate at the Barari cremation ground on the banks of the Ganga.

His grandson, Saurav Bajoria, said Nagarmal did not contest elections simply with the expectation of winning. "He contested to open voters' eyes," he said, adding that his grandfather wanted to demonstrate that an ordinary citizen could also enter the country's biggest democratic contests.

In 1960, at the age of 30, Nagarmal tasted electoral success after winning the Bhagalpur municipal election. Over the course of years, he fought against some of the country's most prominent political leaders, including Indira Gandhi from Rae Bareli, Rajiv Gandhi from Amethi, Sanjay Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani and Pranab Mukherjee.

In 1969, he went one notch above and filed his nomination for the 1969 presidential election, contesting against VV Giri.

Nagarmal continued filing nominations in elections until 2019.

DONKEYS, SLOGANS AND A BELL

One of the more memorable episodes of Nagarmal's election campaigns came during the 2005 elections.

While campaigning against corruption, he organised a rally featuring donkeys. Placards carrying anti-corruption slogans were hung around the animals' necks, turning the campaign into a spectacle that drew the attention of local residents.

He also had a distinctive campaign style. He was often seen wearing a vintage wristwatch reminiscent of the Gandhi era and carrying a hand bell. During rallies, he would ring the bell while speaking to people about democratic values and urging them to remain politically aware.

His unconventional campaigns helped turn him into a recognisable figure in Bhagalpur's political and social landscape.

A LIFE BEYOND ELECTIONS

Nagarmal's public life was not limited to electoral politics. He was also involved in social work, particularly helping people from economically weaker families.

He regularly assisted with the marriages of daughters from poor families. In areas facing drinking-water shortages, he also installed hand pumps at his own expense, according to his family.

His grandson said these efforts were another important part of his grandfather's life and public engagement.