Ahmedabad:
There are promises galore for voters in Ahmedabad East constituency with fringe political parties and Independent candidates promising justice for "aggrieved husbands" and "lavish" lifestyle for the poor in their manifestos.
Dashrath Devda, who runs an NGO 'Akhil Bhartiya Patni Atyachar Virodhi Sangh' and is an Independent candidate from Ahmedabad-East Lok Sabha seat, promises to bring an Act to protect men.
"I promise to bring a law in favour of 'Dukhi Pati' (aggrieved husband). We have the Domestic Violence Act to protect women so why cannot we have a law which can protect men?" Mr Devda told PTI.
Though he has applied to register his party but is yet to get the nod from the Election Commission.
Mr Devda has released a manifesto even though he is contesting as an Independent.
"I promise to people here that I will bring section '498 (b)' to protect the rights of husbands," he said, adding that in some cases men are harassed too. Section 498(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) stands for protection of women against domestic violence.
"I go door-to-door and ask men if they are aggrieved with their wives and many of them respond positively. All those aggrieved husbands are extending their support to me," Mr Devda said.
"I ask for Re 1 from people and if the person is sad and harassed due to his wife then he gives me the coin," Mr Devda quipped.
Mr Devda claimed that he only takes Re 1 from people.
Ahmedabad-East constituency comprises Assembly segments of Dehgam, Gandhinagar South, Vatva, Nikol, Naroda, Thakkarbapa Nagar and Bapunagar.
BJP has fielded Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal in the seat.
Mr Devda said he was banking on the support of almost 600 'Dukhi Patis' who he claimed would vote for him.