Leaving nothing to chance

For politicans, elections are hectic and Anjan Kumar Yadav is no exception. But while others are busy and stay away from their families, Anjan Kumar and his family bond the most during this time. If son Anil takes care of the youth wing, younger son Arvind is

in-charge of the management. The women too chip in, with daughter Anubha and wife Nagamani manning the home front and elder daughter Anitha shifting base to her parents place, despite being married.

“Elections are an important time for us. In fact, whatever we are today is because of my father’s position. This time, we are leaving no stone unturned and want to ensure that he retains his seat,” affirms Arvind, a BA first-year student.

For Anil, elections are synonymous with a lot of work and shouldering a major part of his father’s responsibility. “Since I’m the eldest son, the expectations from me are higher. I try to make things as easy as possible for my father. It is not possible for him to be everywhere, so, I make it a point to go to places that he can’t.”

Anil, who has been to most parts of his father’s constituency and visited around 20 to 25 slums, says, “I inform people about the work that has been done and what more is possible if my father continues to be a MP. I do door-to-door campaigning and in the process, I also try to sort out people’s problems.”

Though better education and hospital facilities feature in his election agenda, it’s youth welfare that Anil focuses on. “If they put their minds to it, youngsters can bring about a change. I try to educate them about the decisive role that they can play,” reasons Anil, who had asked all pubs to shut down in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks. “I felt the attacks were a disaster and at a time like that, youngsters should shoulder some responsibility instead of partying.”

As Anil busies himself with major issues, Arvind takes up the responsibility of organising lunch for people at the constituency. “Everyday, we serve food to 2,000-3,000 people and I ensure that everyone gets to eat,” says Arvind.

Inspite of all this, Anjan Kumar Yadav, has often been criticised for not doing enough for his constituency. However, Anil feels these allegations are part of a politician’s life. “People’s expectations are high and no matter how much you do for them, they still feel it’s not enough. We don’t let such criticism bog us down, we continue to do our work,” adds Anil. The life of a politician is not easy, with brickbats and boomerangs being a constant.

This is where the women in the Yadav family step in. “My dad is quite close to me. Often, when he returns at night, we sit and discuss how the day has been for him. We share everything, and if he is upset about something, I try and cheer him,” says Anubha, the younger daughter.

However, it’s wife Nagamani, who is the binding force in the family.

“My mother also goes out canvassing with me. We talk to the women in the constituency and redress their grievances. But, she makes it a point to be back home by the time my father returns, cooks his favourite dishes and serves him dinner. It is she who ensures that everybody is comfortable after a tiring day,” adds Anubha.

Source : Deccan Chronicle.