Ram Vilas Paswan's son-in-law Anil Sadhu weeps over election problems
Why not me, is the plaintive question that Ram Vilas Paswan's son-in-law has been asking publicly, punctuated by sobs. Today, Anil Sadhu was in tears as he spoke to NDTV about not being allowed to run for election in Bihar, where Mr Paswan heads the Lok Janshakti Party.
"I am sure he does not hate me, but this is a fight for my rights and I will continue to fight," said the 50-year-old, weeping while vowing to put up rival candidates for each of Mr Paswan's 40 for the election which starts next month.
Mr Sadhu is married to Mr Paswan's youngest daughter, Asha. Mr Paswan founded the LJP in 2000 and it is his son, Chirag, a former actor, who has been made election-in-charge.
Chirag, 32, said today that the party is selecting potential winners, a remark that did not placate Mr Sadhu, who points out that Mr Paswan's brother and nephew are among those who've made the cut.
Mr Sadhu heads the Dalit Sena, which mobilises support among especially backward castes. He has said his wing will campaign actively against Mr Paswan.
The LJP is a part of the alliance constructed in Bihar by the BJP to keep Nitish Kumar from securing a third term as Chief Minister. Mr Kumar has teamed with regional powerhouse Lalu Yadav and the Congress against the BJP front.
Jitan Ram Manjhi is another member of the BJP alliance and has also excluded his son-in-law, Devendra Manjhi, from his party's list of candidates. "Jitan Ram Manjhi must have had some reason. But my hand has also been forced and I will fight the elections from the Bodh Gaya seat (as an Independent)", said the younger politician. He pointed out that Mr Manjhi has managed to include his son Santosh as a candidate - though he did this without tears.