With no property, job, or wealth, CPI (ML) candidate inspires thousands through his honesty and struggle, giving BJP’s Sanjay Singh Tiger and Jan Suraaj’s Dr Vijay Kumar Gupta an unexpected, people-powered challenge
ARA – As campaigning for the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections gathers pace, one name has captured the hearts of people — Qayyumuddin Ansari, the CPI (ML) candidate from the Ara constituency. Known as the poorest candidate in this election, he has become a symbol of honesty and hope among the marginalised.
A 50-year-old postgraduate in Urdu from MHD Jain College, Qayyumuddin belongs to the weaver community, one of the most backward classes in the state. Despite having no property, no business, and no job, his commitment to people’s issues and his humble lifestyle have made him a powerful voice in this election.
“I don’t have land, a house, or business. My wife works in an Anganwadi, and we survive on her small income,’ he told reporters.
According to his election affidavit, he has only ₹20,000 in cash and ₹5,000 in his bank account.
This is not the first time Qayyumuddin is contesting an election. In the 2020 assembly election, he lost by just 3,002 votes to BJP’s Amarendra Pratap Singh. Despite the defeat, his popularity grew because of his clean image and close connection with the poor.
“People understand my situation. I am one of them. I want to fight for their rights and dignity,’ he said while meeting villagers in Ara.
This time, his main rivals are BJP’s Sanjay Singh Tiger and Dr Vijay Kumar Gupta of Jan Suraaj Party. Both are financially strong and politically well-connected, but Qayyumuddin’s simple life and sincerity are giving them an unexpected challenge.
Unable to afford a vehicle, Qayyumuddin rides a bicycle from one village to another, meeting people directly and seeking donations. “I collect 50 or 100 rupees from people. That’s how I print posters and continue my campaign,” he said with a smile.
His sincerity has moved many. Local resident Mohammad Sadiq said, “Qayyumuddin Sahab doesn’t make false promises. He lives like us and understands our pain. We trust him more than any rich politician.”
Even young voters are inspired. A college student, Rukhsar Fatima, said, “He represents honesty in politics. People like him are the real strength of democracy.”
Despite his poverty, Qayyumuddin remains fearless. His campaign focuses on employment, education, and justice for backward communities. He criticises the BJP for ignoring the poor while helping the rich. “The ruling party talks about development, but people in villages still struggle for food and jobs,” he said.
Observers say his growing popularity is worrying his opponents. His campaign has turned into a people’s movement — a story of struggle, honesty, and hope.
As election day nears, the poorest man in Bihar’s politics stands as a reminder that real power lies not in money or muscle, but in truth, simplicity, and the people’s love.
