He rides a 100cc bike and stops wherever he finds a small group of people. He tells them that he will contest as an independent candidate from the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat to fight against corruption and uphold probity in public life.
In a welcome departure from the usual blitzkrieg attached to electioneering, his style of campaigning attracts the crowds at various junctions.
On an average, he covers 80-100 km distributing a pamphlet in which he mentions his objectives.
He tells people that as he is committed to the cause of the nation, he would make their voice heard effectively in the Lok Sabha without any fear or favour if he wins.
Meet Ronanki Chalapathi Rao, a resident of Allipuram in the city, who had retired as Assistant Divisional Engineer in the APGenco in 2011.
His son is employed in the Railways and daughter is studying MBA after completing B.Tech.
“Throughout my life, I took up cudgels against corruption. Now, since I am retired with no responsibilities, I want to take a bigger role in my fight to cleanse the system,” he told The Hindu when he was spotted campaigning alone in front of Dr. V.S. Krishna Government College.
“It is quite amusing to see a senior citizen slogging it out in hot sun and coming forward to contest as an independent candidate. Though I am a first-time voter, I am thinking of casting my vote to him as he appears to be completely honest,” said Sirisha, a degree student.
Mr. Chalapathi Rao said this is his first electoral battle and he has been canvassing for the past 20 days, covering almost the entire constituency.
‘Good response’“The response is good. I even got ticket offer from a few parties, but I declined their offer,” he said.
“I am collecting donations starting from Re.1 in the coin box I am carrying on my bike. I also give a receipt for the donations. Interested persons can also pay by cheque,” he said.
He can be contacted on 9493123265.
