When Dharmendra changed the election atmosphere of Bikaner, called his opponent ‘younger brother’, superhit in politics too

New Delhi: Veteran actor Dharmendra said goodbye to the world at the age of 89. He was not only famous as a Bollywood superstar, but even in politics, his image was always known for love, humility and the spirit of helping people. Bikaner, Rajasthan on Monday lost one of its former MPs, who was always ahead to help the people.

Dharmendra’s relationship with Bikaner was not only political but also emotional. Even though he did not spend much time in the city while being an MP, he did many such things which people still remember. The most important among these is to take forward the Sursagar Pond Project. During the election campaign, when he saw that the condition of the pond had been deteriorating for years, he himself contacted the then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. After this, he went to Delhi and talked to the Union Ministers and raised funds. He did not shy away from donating money even from his MP quota and got the condition of Sursagar pond rectified on time. The people of Bikaner still remember him for this effort.

Showed talent in politics also
Dharmendra’s 2004 election campaign is also remembered for its decency. Even in the tough contest against Congress candidate Rameshwar Dudi, Dharmendra never made personal attacks. He repeatedly called Dudi his ‘younger brother’ and the effect of this was that Dudi also avoided personal comments during the entire election. This election was considered one of the most friendly and civilized contests in Bikaner. Dharmendra had used the power of star power in the elections and had called his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol to Bikaner. With his arrival a large number of people gathered and the atmosphere in many parts of the city changed. Due to this support, Dharmendra won by 57,000 votes.

Be a superhit in politics also
While being an MP, Dharmendra always kept giving money generously to the development fund. He continuously provided financial support to local societies, institutions and community works. Even today, there are many boards in Bikaner with his name written on them, reminding us of the projects that were completed during his tenure. Most of the projects were recommended by his party colleagues Satyaprakash Acharya and Kamal Vyas. Dharmendra’s relations in the party were also special. He fondly called election in-charge Manikchand Surana as ‘coat-wearing Netaji’. This nickname was in jest, but it reflected their affection and intimacy. The biggest proof of Dharmendra’s popularity was that the people of Bikaner remember him not for controversies or political activities, but for his love, development work and affinity towards everyone.