In life, and in politics, Kawasi Lakhma is a survivor. In his public meetings, the 70-year-old Congress candidate from the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, and a six-time MLA from the Konta Assembly segment, reminds his audience about his longevity in politics.
“I became an MLA the last time, I will win the next time too. I will remain an MLA till the time I am alive. But will you make me an MP or not,” he asks at one such public meeting in Jagdalpur city. In the Assembly election last November when nine ministers of the erstwhile Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government lost, Mr. Lakhma was an exception although he scraped home by just 1,981 votes.
Having dubbed the election in Bastar as a “Narendra Modi versus Kawasi Lakhma contest” minutes ago, he also touches upon several issues – from deforestation to railway services and reservations to electoral bonds – and makes the sound of an EVM that leaves those gathered in splits. He says he will go to Delhi to raise Bastar’s voice.
