Vehicle Lease Business

'We Put Elections In Top Gear'

Ajay Singh Bhadauriya, 52, of Uttar Pradesh, left real estate business to start a tour and travel company. He tasted success when he began providing all kind of vehicles for political rallies and roadshows. Cash and prompt payments are the best part of the business, he tells LokMarg:

I always look forward to the elections, not just because it is the most important time for a democracy like India, but because it is the busiest and the most lucrative time for my business. I run a tour and travel company with a fleet of over 300 SUVs and counting.

My fleet has all kinds of  SUVs: Lower-end models, such as, Mahindra Bolero and XUV; SUVs in the mid-range comprise, Tata Safari and Mahindra Scorpio; and high end SUVs like Toyota Fortuner etc. I also have a large number of motorcycles for the same purpose.

It wasn’t like that always. I suffered heavy losses in my family real estate and construction business when the slump hit the sector. I finally decided to wrap up most of my holdings, purchased about ten vehicles for a tour and travel outfit. In 2014 general elections, I smelled a big opportunity. I first offered leasing of my vehicles alongwith drivers to the BJP, which demanded many more vehicles for their roadshows. I invested heavily and it paid.

Today, 95 percent of my clientele comprises of political parties. Be it roadshows and meetings, or ferrying VVIPs to rally grounds and airports, my SUVs line up the convoy. Our expert drivers are always smartly-dressed and are well-versed with all the local routes.

For the past four years, most of our vehicles have been attached with the BJP. The demand has further increased after it came to power and now in the current elections. The ministers and other important leaders use government vehicles for official jobs, but we still provide services to them for other political assignments.

Besides Lucknow, we also provide services in neighboring districts. Sometimes, the demand is so high that we are forced to arrange vehicles from other services providers, who are happy to oblige because of better and timely payments. Most payments come in cash and promptly. This is clearly a win-win situation for both the parties.

Political parties are very good paymasters, even during the election chaos. During elections, we are provided with a rough schedule so that we prepare ourselves in advance. Most parties have a dedicated department that handles transport and other logistics. We are usually paid in advance during elections to ensure that we do not switch loyalties because of monetary issues.

My team prepared well for the current Lok Sabha elections and on May 23, we shall sit down for the book keeping and counting the profit. Till then, this is proving to be a good summer.

Will Rahul Win Amethi?

WATCH – Will Rahul Win Amethi?

The voters in Amethi Lok Sabha constituency feel BJP candidate Smriti Irani may get votes of traditional saffron supporters but Rahul Gandhi will be the clear winner. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to dislodge Congress from Amethi. LokMarg presents a ground report.

ALSO READ: Rahul Cannot Lose From Amethi

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Modi Bhai Acts Strongly

My Vote – ‘Modi Bhai Acts Strongly’

Surya, 25, a pani-poori vendor in Morena town, Madhya Pradesh, believes that the country needs a leader of Narendra Modi’s stature if it has to stay on course toward a developed nation

I belong to a small village in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. There were few work opportunities for a youth there. About seven-eight years back, I migrated to Gujarat where my elder brother was working. The difference between the two states was a revelation to me. During my stay in Gujarat, I learned a lot about the value of education and technology. If you want a vendor permit or a shop licence there, you do not need to pay the touts; it can be done with the help of a computer. The facilities were readily available and affordable, be it water, electricity, roads, transport or housing.

Two years ago, after I lost my job in Gujarat, I shifted to Morena (Madhya Pradesh). MP is no match to Gujarat in terms of prosperity but it is way ahead of Rajasthan. Government administration and police are not lethargic as they are in Rajasthan. It is therefore a pity that I cannot vote here this time since I am registered as a voter in native Bharatpur.

ALSO READ: ‘No Vote To Gau Rakshaks’

Yet, if I were allowed to vote, I will support the BJP. This is because of the tallest leader of our times, Narendra Modi. Before one talks about development, you should see it from your own eyes in Gujarat. And this was made possible, most of my Gujarati friends swear, under Narendra Modi. Gujarati bhai bole meetha, kaam kare ghana (Gujaratis speak softly but act with great resilience). Their self-belief can be contagious.

Till about a few years ago, I could not bear the thought of setting a street side rehri (push cart) and sell gol-gappas but I learned the value of entrepreneurship in Gujarat. No work is big or small. It is your attitude to the vocation that makes it respectable. Today, I find it more fulfilling to have my own humble setup than having to work as a labour for others.

ALSO READ: ‘Modi Supporters Get Violent’

The personality of Narendra Modi is set in true Gujarati cast. I have unflinching belief in him. From what I see in TV channels every day, our country is on way to become a great power. Give Modi ji five more years, and I am sure there will be electricity and water in all the villages; better rural road connectivity; more jobs and prosperity in each states.

Yes, communal tension is an issue. Even here, whenever a BJP rally is held, many of my Muslim friends who own street vends like me, choose to stay indoors. This is not a good thing. Every poor man must have the right to earn and run his business without fear. However, it always takes two to start a fight. If Hindus are to blame for communal tension, Muslims are equally to blame. And the bigger blame must rest with the Police force, which is entrusted to ensure law and order. Media is also to blame which fans flames.

Will Rajnath Win Lucknow?

WATCH – Will Rajnath Win Lucknow?

Contrary to SP-BSP and Congress claims, locals believe Lucknow is, and will remain, a BJP bastion, thanks to Vajpayee style of politics that was inclusive and appealed to the cosmopolitan electorate.

Amethi Voter Speaks

Amethi Seat – 'Rahul Cannot Lose Here'

Munna, 64, a timepiece shop owner in Jayas, a small town in Amethi Lok Sabha seat, says he finds immediate recognition as a voter of Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. Jobs and development are minor worries; dignity is important, he says

Identity. This is what the people of Amethi have got from electing Rahul Gandhi as our leader for the Lok Sabha, over and over again. Yes, I agree that not much has changed in this area over the last many years.

But Amethi waalon ko ek pehchaan toh mili hai (Amethi voter has a distinct identity these days). Whenever I travel to other parts of the country, I identify myself as a resident of Amethi. People immediately respond by saying, “Arrrey, Rahul Gandhi ki Amethi.” This gives me – and of course the same must be true for other citizens of this constituency – a sense of pride. If Rahul ji goes away, what will Amethi be remembered for?

Development will happen at its own pace. If Congress forms government at the Centre, it will be easy for them to set up industrial projects here, improve the basic infrastructure. Already, the power situation has completely transformed in last one decade.

Jobs remain a worry for the youth here. This is not a fertile belt. So people for ages used to migrate in search of work to big cities nearby like Lucknow; my own two sons work there. Many have migrated to Gulf countries as skilled labour and send petro dollars home. Lord has provided livelihood to all of us, and with dignity.

There was a time when riots would occur in response to communal tension in other parts of the state. But law and order has improved. And I believe the reason for this is that if something happens in Amethi, it will be flashed on TV news channels immediately. You know why? Because this is Rahul Gandhi’s constituency.

For this reason, police and administration are more vigil in this district. They know if something untoward happens to the people in Amethi, the issue will reverberate in Parliament. This gives us reassurance. This gives us a sense of safety. This gives us a sense of power. What else do you require from your leader?

Smriti Irani in Amethi has no chance of toppling Rahul ji. She may get a fraction of votes from Brahmin voters here and there. Also there are RSS and a couple of new Hindu outfits who will support Modi. Rest of the people will cast their vote in favour of Congress president. Rahul ji raja aadmi hain (Rahul Gandhi is a royal personality). Even during Modi wave in 2014, he had remained deeply entrenched in Amethi. This time the margin of his victory will be bigger, you watch.

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Ram Temple - Faith Accompli

Watch – Will Ram Temple Be Built?

Most Hindu residents of Faizabad believe a temple for Ram in Ayodhya is a fait accompli, via court or legislation. Muslims are worried about livelihood and violence. LokMarg speaks to Faizabad people about this complex issue. Watch, share and comment.

 

Who Win Mainpuri

Ground Zero – Who Will Win Mainpuri?

A Yadav stronghold, Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat has traditionally sent Samajwadi Party candidates to Parliament for decades. This year is likely to be no different but, as LokMarg spoke to the voters in the region, the BJP seems to be gaining popularity among villagers. However, even BJP supporters confide that it will be difficult to dislodge Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Good To See SP-BSP tieup

Mainpuri Seat – ‘Good To See SP-BSP tieup’

Sanjay, 24, member of Kanjar community in Mainpuri, has not been in the best of terms with the law and the locals, as his community carries the stigma of being a criminal tribe. Traditionally BSP supporters, Sanjay is happy that Mayawati has joined forces with Mulayam Singh in this Yadav stronghold.

Mainpuri has been a Yadav bastion for as long as elections were held here. The Yadav community rules the roost in this region. From top to bottom in administration and also among (Samajwadi) Party office bearers, their writ runs. Whether you need a job, or a government scheme favour, or even lodge a police complaint in the local Thana (station), one has to plead before their leaders.

Our community also votes for Neta ji (Mulayam Singh Yadav). We fully support Samajwadi Party. Yes there are some in our family, who support Behanji (Mayawati) because she has worked to get us some self-respect in society. During her rule in Uttar Pradesh – between 2007 and 2012 – many of us got pucca houses, some were able to buy and set up shops in the market with their savings. Otherwise, most caste Hindus do not have business dealings with us. I don’t know why, nor do I any longer bother. We are happy with our lives.

WATCH: SP-BSP Supporters Speak Up In Mainpuri Rally

I studied till Class VII then dropped out we needed more hands to work and livelihood. I am happy, we have our own house, and we get odd jobs to see us through. But during the time of notebandi (demonetization), we had to keep the hearth burning on borrowed ration. Those two-three months were horrible. There was no work for us. Even when we got work the wages were not paid. Everybody was cursing (Narendra) Modi here. Things are better now.

It has been a great relief that Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav have joined hands. Many Yadav leaders suspect us to be BSP supporters and refuse to help us. With the gathbandhan (SP-BSP alliance), there is no reason for (Samajwadi) Party leaders to look at us with suspicion. We just hope this alliance survive. Rest, time will tell.

Rally Report Mainpuri

Rally Report – SP-BSP Show In Mainpuri

LokMarg brings speaks to the SP-BSP supporters at the joint rally of Mayawati and Akhilsh Yadav on April 19 in Mainpuri, a Yadav stronghold in Uttar Pradesh. Watch what they said about the issues that brought them together: