Jaipur: 82-yr-old amri devi makes energetic debut in politics

An 82-year-old Amri Devi, the Congress candidate from Luni constituency, has got a renewed energy these days. At an age when people start seeking divine shelter, Amri Devi –mother of jailed

Congress MLA Malkhan Singh– is making her debut in the political field in a desperate attempt to retain her family’s grip over the constituency, which was nurtured by her husband Ram Singh

Bishnoi for six consecutive terms before his death in 2005. Fighting the odds like hearing problem and old age, Amri Devi seems to be in a new Avatar. She starts her day early morning in

traditional dress and travels about 75 to 100 kms daily holding about 12 to 17 public meetings in her election campaign. The old woman gets irritated and strongly objects if somebody tries

to give her helping hand to climb up the stage. Sometimes, she is seen traversing the dusty lanes on foot and on occasions she can be seen travelling in an SUV to cover vast stretches. But

this election is not the bed of roses for Amri Devi as she is locked in triangular contest with BJP candidate Jogaram Patel and Congress’ rebel Rajendra Choudhary. A section of Congress

leaders had demanded ticket for Choudhary and went against party after he was denied. Jats, Bishnois and Patels are the major castes in the constituency which seems to be divided in this

triangular contest. Rajendra Choudhary is seen in a stronger position due to heavy resentment over Congress party giving ticket to the mother of Malkhan Singh, who is jailed in the infamous

Bhanwari Devi case. The jilted party supporters feel that she is too old to take the responsibility. “There is no use of giving ticket to Amri Devi. It has even spoiled the prospects of

other deserving candidate. Bishnoi family even could not get sympathy votes in 2005 by-election after the death of Ram Singh and his son lost the election. Rajendra Choudhary tried last time

also and this time he was the most deserving candidate,” said Hukma Ram Bishnoi. Most people believe that party had no candidate and Gehlot did not want Choudhary again, he added.

Meanwhile, ST/SC and minority votes may turn the contest upside down. Though BSP has also fielded its candidate but reputation and stakes of Bishnois, Choudharys and Patels are higher and

all the candidates are going an extra mile to woo SC/ST votes.