Who else can better understand the pains of poverty and hunger than the son of a labourer. This is the oft-repeated line of the Shiromani Akali Dal candidate from Jalandhar (reserved) constituency, singer-turned politician Hans Raj Hans. If he can script his own rags-to-riches story, he tells voters, so can they. Hans has declared assets worth Rs 10.65 crore.

The Raj Gayak (state singer), a title given to him by the Punjab Government, says that whatever he has learnt during his over two decades of singing, in terms of truth and transparency, he is trying to replicate in politics.

He has quickly learnt the ways of managing the political stage, just like his well coordinated orchestra. A fine orator, he can strike a chord with the masses by telling them his own “rags to riches” story in an interesting manner. He tells his audience how he started his life in a poor family, living in a mud house in penury and hunger. Today, he owns big houses in posh localities of Jalandhar, travels in big cars, and his children are studying abroad.

He also takes a dig at his opponents. “My Congress rival says that SAD has given ticket to a gayak, I tell them that they have been giving it to nalayaks all these years.” Attracting a large crowd is hardly a problem for this popular singer. He tells them to vote for him on May 13.

The crowd has obviously come to see Hans, the singer and not Hans, the politician. “We have come to see him and as far as voting is concerned, we will decide on May 13,” a group of women says.

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