Of different notes on different strokes!

Darpan Singh
Govindganj (East Champaran)
Noted Bhojpuri singer Manoj Tiwari recently became a famous TV face when he, while appearing on various poll-related shows, appealed to the people of the state to desist from voting for aspirants having criminal background. He, however, did a ‘volt face’ and resorted to ‘double speak’ by campaigning for the incarcerated MLA and LJP nominee from Govindganj seat during the run up to the just concluded assembly elections.
Singing a political tune, the Bhojpuri artiste sang, danced and canvassed support for the controversial legislature seeking reelection from this constituency at about half a dozen villages, including Sarottar, Bajhiya, Khajuria and Huseni on the eve of the 3rd phase of elections. Needless to say, Rajan, currently lodged in the Buer jail, enjoys a considerable degree of muscle power in his area. Suresh Sahni, the RJD candidate who was defeated by him (Rajan) in the 2000 assembly polls, left Govindganj and contested Motihari seat this year on LJP ticket! Locals said Suresh was terrorized into contesting the Motihari seat to damage the poll prospect of RJD nominee Rama Devi, as Sahnis constitute a vast chunk of voters there.
But Manoj begged to differ. Justifying his decision to stump for the ‘controversial’ MLA, he, while addressing an election meeting at village Sarottar in Kesariya block of East Champaran district, said: “Rajanji is not a criminal. The real criminal is at the helm in Bihar who is responsible for the mess the state is today in.” However, the Bhojpuri singer, in a candid confession, admitted at another meeting: “I do not say Rajanji has a clean image. But then who does have a clean image in today’s politics? Ensure his thumping victory for the all round development of this constituency and do your bit to help Ramvilasji become the next CM of Bihar and rid the state of the RJD misrule.”
Singing paeans to the ‘Bahubali’ MLA, Manoj further said: “Prashashan ne unhe Bettiah jail se Patna shift kiya kyonki unhe pata tha ki Rajanji ki ek nigah kisi voter ko mohit karne ke liye kafi hai.” The villagers, however, had a different opinion regarding Manoj’s ‘newfound’ love for Rajan. Rakesh, a local, told this reporter that Manoj was campaigning owing to the terror tactics employed by the sitting legislature. When approached later, Manoj said he agreed to seek votes for Rajan due to a ‘very special relationship’ he shared with him, while refusing to explain the same.