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 is unfraid of asking repeatedly and publicly with concomitant break-downs. 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.
Mr Sadhu, 50, said to NDTV today,
"Ram Vilas Paswan and I are one family. I am sure he does not hate me, but this is a fight for my rights and I will continue to fight." That, he vowed while weeping, entails putting up rival candidates for each of the 40 that Mr Paswan will nominate for the election which starts next month.
Mr Sadhu is married to Mr Paswan's youngest daughter, Asha, and has been active in state politics since 1988.
Mr Paswan founded the LJP in 2000 and it is his son, Chirag, a former actor, who has been made election-in-charge.
In happier times, Anil Sadhu with father-in-law and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan
Mr Chirag, 32, said today that candidates are being selected on the basis of whether they are seen as potential winners - a remark that did not soothe the feelings of Mr Sadhu, who alleges favouritism, pointing out Mr Paswan's brother and nephew are among those who've made the cut.
Mr Sadhu heads the Dalit Sena, which mobilizes support among especially backward castes. He has said his wing of the party 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.
Bihar votes on five days, starting October 12; counting is on November 8.