From Presidential Ballot to Village Wells: The Life of Bhagalpur’s Eternal Campaigner

Nagarmal Bajoria, the name that resonated through the streets of Bhagalpur for decades, died at 96 in Patna on Thursday. Fondly called “Dhariti Pakad”, he turned election day into a personal festival, contesting more than 280 times across the spectrum of Indian democracy – from the presidential election to grassroots panchayat seats, and even a few overseas constituencies open to Indian voters.

Bajoria’s battles were not limited to local politics. He famously stood against former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi of Rae Bareli and Rajiv Gandhi of Amethi, and in 2012 he lodged a presidential nomination against Pranab Mukherjee. While victories eluded him, each defeat added to his legend; his unwavering smile and the mantra that “the earth belongs to all” kept the public’s fascination alive.

Equally noteworthy was his commitment to social welfare. During a severe drinking‑water crisis in Bhagalpur, Bajoria personally financed the installation of numerous hand‑pump wells, providing essential relief to thousands. This act of grassroots service reinforced the nickname “Dhariti Pakad” and demonstrated his belief that political participation must be matched with tangible community work.

Survived by four sons – Satish, Ajay, Dilip – and a daughter, Bajoria’s remains have been moved to the family home, MP Tripathi Niwas. Funeral services are slated for Friday at Barari Shmashan Ghat, where thousands are expected to pay their respects to a man whose political journey was as endless as his dedication to the soil.