Bihar’s Uncompromising Leaders: Public Service Over Personal Gain

Bihar Election: There's a popular saying in Bihar politics: "Become an MP or MLA and your seven generations will prosper." However, there have been some public representatives for whom power was never a center of attraction. They considered politics not a means of personal gain, but a means of public service.

These leaders neither compromised on principles nor embraced opportunistic politics. For them, politics meant victory for the people, the welfare of society, and a simple life. Even amidst resource constraints, limited support, and power politics, they never compromised on their ideals.

Ram Iqbal Varsi

Ram Iqbal Varsi, the Socialist Party MLA from the Piro Assembly constituency in Bhojpur district, was a freedom fighter. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia called him "Gandhi of Piro." He was an example of simplicity and honesty in politics.

When he contested the 1969 elections, he visited the home of the opposing candidate's mother to seek her blessings. He went there again even after winning. For him, politics was public service, and he considered the treasury to be public property. Varsi ji described politicians' pensions as "illegible earnings."

According to one memoir, when he asked a friend for a loan of 100 rupees and the friend offered to give him 500, he smiled and said, "I think you're also earning money illegally." His honesty and simplicity remain exemplary even today.

Meghraj Medhavi

Meghraj Medhavi, from Rohtas district, came from a landless laborer family. He considered education the greatest weapon for social reform. Despite losing elections several times, he continued to serve the people.

In 1985, he won the election on a Lok Dal ticket and became an MLA. For five years, he spoke for his region in the Assembly, but he did not contribute anything to his family. Today, his descendants subsist through labor and small jobs. Their homes are still built under the government's housing scheme.

Kali Ram

In 1969, when the Jan Sangh was just beginning to establish its roots in Bihar, Kali Ram won. He was a craftsman who made bamboo baskets and spoons. He entered politics but avoided dynasty politics.

He did not field any of his three sons. Today, his son, Dinesh Ram, earns his living by playing in a band and doing traditional craftsmanship. His house still has thatched roofs, but he retains the same legacy of hard work and honesty.

Dineshvar Prasad

Dineshvar Prasad, a two-time MLA from the Sahar assembly constituency, was the son of a farm laborer. He was jailed during the JP movement, and that's when his political career changed.

When he first contested elections, he was so poor that people personally stitched kurta-pyjamas for him. He was elected MLA both times but never spent any money from his family in any of the elections. People gave him both votes and money. He was offered the opportunity to build a house in Patna but could not afford it due to lack of funds.

Radha Mohan Rai

Radha Mohan Rai, from Tar village in Piro block, was a Socialist Party MLA. Before becoming an MLA, he ran a public distribution system shop. When he saw that the poor were being deprived of their rights in grain distribution, he had his shop's license revoked.

Once, when his son got into a fight with someone, instead of protecting him, Rai handed him over to the police. He served as a two-time MLA but never added anything to his family. His life was an example of public service and morality.

A Legacy of Ideal Politics

All these leaders demonstrated that politics is not merely a game of power or wealth, but a medium for public welfare. Today, when decorum is being lost in political discourse, the lives of such leaders remind us that true politics is one that serves not just seven generations but the entire society.