Passion to contest elections…78 year old daily wage laborer is contesting for the 32nd time after losing the elections 31 times

Jaipur: Meet Titar Singh, a 78-year-old daily wage laborer, who has encountered defeat in 31 elections thus far. Remarkably, his unwavering commitment to participating in elections remains undiminished, as he recently submitted his nomination for the 32nd time, vying for the Srikaranpur assembly constituency.

Titar Singh’s electoral journey has encompassed contests in Panchayat Samiti, Sarpanch, Assembly, and Lok Sabha elections, yet victory has remained elusive throughout. Locals recount how Titar Singh resorted to selling his goats on several occasions to finance his election campaigns.

Residing in 25F Gulabewala within the Shrikaranpur assembly constituency, Titar Singh clarifies that his motivation to contest elections is not driven by a desire for fame or record-breaking achievements. Instead, he perceives elections as a tool to assert his rights.

“The passion to fight for his rights was kindled in Titar’s heart during his youth when he faced obstacles in securing land allotment in canal areas. Witnessing others with similar struggles inspired him to advocate for his rights, gradually molding it into an integral part of his identity,” say residents of the region.

Regrettably, his plea for land allotment remains unfulfilled, and he, along with his sons, continues to work as daily wage laborers under MNREGA. Titar Singh’s electoral journey spans ten attempts in Lok Sabha elections, ten in Legislative Assembly elections, and eleven in contests for District Council President, Sarpanch, and Ward Membership elections.

According to his affidavit, Titar Singh, aged 78, is the father of three daughters, two sons, and is a grandfather. He maintains a modest bank balance of Rs 2500 and does not possess land, a car, or horses. While he toils diligently throughout the year, during elections, his life takes a transformative turn, as he tirelessly campaigns door to door, seeking votes. Unfortunately, with each electoral loss, his deposit is forfeited, as officials report that he has never garnered more than 1,000 votes.

Remarkably, Titar Singh acknowledges receiving a pension, which suffices for his daily needs, yet he refrains from allocating it to his election campaigns. This senior citizen refrains from engaging in social media, although his recent viral video on the platform captures him while filling out his nomination form. When questioned about any opposition or resistance he may have encountered from his surroundings, he asserts, “People have never resisted but instead offered their assistance.”