Mysuru: Frustrated over unfulfilled promises by politicians, Bokkalli village fields a beggar

Mysuru: Frustrated over disappointments with elected representatives failing to keep up the promises which they made during their election campaigns once they come to power, and inspired by a sandalwood movie, youth of this little known village Bokkalli in Nanjangud taluk in Mysuru district, have fielded a beggar, for second phase gram panchayat election which is due on 27 of this month.

Youth of Bokkahalli village which comes under Hulimavu gram panchayat limits have fielded, 43 year old Ankappa Nayaka, for general category seat.

Physically challenged (paraplegic-partial paralysis in both his legs) Ankappa Nayaka is a destitute, who has no family and sleeps in bus shelter of the village. And he lives with the money and food which he gets from begging, and occasional small works which he gets to do.

But his star has changed now. Getting a new white shirt stitched for him, sporting a cooling glass, youth of the village, have taken Ankappa Nayaka in a car to file nominations at Hulimaava gram panchayat office. And he has been given the symbol of "Camera". Accompanied by the youth Ankappa's election campaign has been brisk and, instead of alms, Ankappa is asking for votes this time at each household.

Mysuru istrict dalit sangarsh samithi convenor Bokkalli Lingaiah, who hails from the village, said, " the gram panchayat members here have failed to pay attention to get basic infrastructure facilities including drainage and others in the village. So the youth of the village believe that if a man with money gets elected, he might forget the promises he made during election campaign, but a poor man would be able to relate himself and might serve the village.

Inspired by senior sandalwood actor late Dr Vishnuvardhan's movie, Simhadriya Simha in which a beggar becomes a minister the youth have taken up the decision," he said.

Video with the backdrop music of song from the movie "Simhadriya simha", in which wearing new clothes, with kumkum smeared on his forehead, Ankappa walking and offering obeisance to the seat of the car, before he gets into the car, while heading to file nominations, has become viral on social media.