BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha
Patna:
In Patna Sahib, the original 'Bihari Babu' is aiming for a second straight entry into the Lok Sabha. 15 years ago, Shatrughan Sinha's transition from films to politics was smooth, with Rajya Sabha terms, ministerial berths in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, and then finally the ticket for the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar in 2009.
But while the crowds are still flocking to listen to the actor-turned-politician, it may not be smooth sailing this time around. Mr Sinha is battling dissent within his own party, the BJP, with many workers angry over the leader getting re-nominated from Patna Sahib, where he is the sitting MP.
"People tried to throw me out. But I decided not to let that happen. Patna Sahib is my first choice and also my last," Mr Sinha said at a speech in his constituency.
But that has failed to impress several voters across the constituency, a mix of urban and rural areas. (India Votes 2014: full coverage)
"It's been five years since he was elected, but I have not seen him here... No development here too," said Suraj Narayan Singh, a villager.
Looking to tap into this sentiment is the Congress candidate in the area and Bhojpuri superstar Kunal Singh, who was a last-minute choice for the Patna Sahib seat which votes on April 17. (See poll schedule)
Mr Singh, unlike his heavyweight opponent, prefers not to talk about his filmy connections. Instead, he focuses on his family legacy - his father was a two-term MLA from assembly constituencies that fall under the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat.
"I do not believe in filmi punchlines... This is not about films... This is about being among the people... If the other person is invoking films, then it shows his non-seriousness," he said, referring to the superstar.
And in this battle of the stars, Parveen Amanullah of the Aam Aadmi Party hopes to woo Patna's urban votes. Till just about a month ago, Ms Amanullah was a minister in the Nitish Kumar government and was an active member of his Janata Dal (United). She quit the party and is now fighting on an AAP ticket, on the plank of good governance.
"These are only heroes on the screen... They don't come on the ground and struggle for the people," she said.
Her former party JD(U) has fielded renowned doctor Gopal Prasad Sinha from the seat, paving way for a four-way fight.
But while the crowds are still flocking to listen to the actor-turned-politician, it may not be smooth sailing this time around. Mr Sinha is battling dissent within his own party, the BJP, with many workers angry over the leader getting re-nominated from Patna Sahib, where he is the sitting MP.
"People tried to throw me out. But I decided not to let that happen. Patna Sahib is my first choice and also my last," Mr Sinha said at a speech in his constituency.
But that has failed to impress several voters across the constituency, a mix of urban and rural areas. (India Votes 2014: full coverage)
"It's been five years since he was elected, but I have not seen him here... No development here too," said Suraj Narayan Singh, a villager.
Looking to tap into this sentiment is the Congress candidate in the area and Bhojpuri superstar Kunal Singh, who was a last-minute choice for the Patna Sahib seat which votes on April 17. (See poll schedule)
Mr Singh, unlike his heavyweight opponent, prefers not to talk about his filmy connections. Instead, he focuses on his family legacy - his father was a two-term MLA from assembly constituencies that fall under the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat.
"I do not believe in filmi punchlines... This is not about films... This is about being among the people... If the other person is invoking films, then it shows his non-seriousness," he said, referring to the superstar.
And in this battle of the stars, Parveen Amanullah of the Aam Aadmi Party hopes to woo Patna's urban votes. Till just about a month ago, Ms Amanullah was a minister in the Nitish Kumar government and was an active member of his Janata Dal (United). She quit the party and is now fighting on an AAP ticket, on the plank of good governance.
"These are only heroes on the screen... They don't come on the ground and struggle for the people," she said.
Her former party JD(U) has fielded renowned doctor Gopal Prasad Sinha from the seat, paving way for a four-way fight.
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