Visually impaired shows the way to politicians

Visually impaired shows the way to politicians
Melvyn Thomas, TNN

SURAT: Rambhai Patel does not wear khadi. He has no political
connection and has never contested an election. But, on May 16,
Rambhai, a visually
impaired retired telephone operator in Valsad achieved something that
is the envy of seasoned politicians - he polled 27,429 votes as an
Independent in the Lok Sabha elections.

Yet, fighting elections was not something Rambhai had dreamt of. "I
wanted to teach politicians a lesson, show them that elections are not
won by money, muscle and liquor power, but by good work and commitment
to the people. I cannot see the world, but I decided to open the eyes
of politicians who are blind to the ills plaguing our country," says
59-year-old Rambhai, who retired from the Valsad District Co-operative
Bank last year.

Rambhai, who contested the Valsad seat, gave a tough fight to BJP's
Dhiru Patel and Congress' Kishan Patel, who won by a margin of 7,169
votes, and keeping an age-old tradition alive -- whichever party wins
Valsad seat, forms the government at the Centre.

People say it is social work that got him this astounding number. An
honorary general secretary of the National Association for the Blind
in Valsad district, has rehabilitated more than 600 blind boys and
girls who are employed with various organisations across the country.

Rambhai says most of his votes came from tribal villages in Dharampur,
Pardi, Vansda and Valsad town. It's in these areas where Rambhai has
philanthropic work, helping tribal students and people in the field of
education and health.

Rambhai, whose daughter is an engineer with an MNC in Mumbai and son
studying in MS University in Vadodara, is upbeat about politics and is
already planning to contest again in 2014. "People have reposed faith
in me and I am happy," says Rambhai. Though he is being both by the
Congress and BJP to join, Rambhai says he is happy keeping away from
political parties.