91-year-old jumps into GP elections fray

Age has not deterred this nonagenarian from jumping into gram panchayat poll fray. 91-year-old Thimmaiah is contesting for Gandabommanahalli gram panchayat in Kudligi taluk of Ballari district.

Thimmaiah, with seven children, 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren is testing his electoral fortune for the second time. He had unsuccessfully contested the election in 2010. After the death of his wife, Thimmaiah is living with his daughter. He grows groundnut on his five-acre land.

The senior citizen seems to be on a mission when it comes to campaigning. He is a loner in soliciting votes and has no typical election paraphernalia - sloganeering “supporters,” convoy of vehicles and a public address system.

He neither had a printed handbill. He was found seeking votes by giving out pamphlets (printed at a DTP centre). His never-day-die attitude and a walking stick are his companions. He goes on foot during campaigning under the scorching sun.

When questioned about his intention of contesting the elections at the ripe age, Thimmaiah replied:“My dream of building houses for the poor is yet to be realised.”  The frail man walked away in the sun saying “I have several unfinished tasks.”
So much for the ageless spirit.

Contestant killed by lightning

A 35-year-old woman, who had contested for the GP polls was struck dead by lightning in Halavarthi village of Koppal taluk on Wednesday. The deceased Mallamma had filed her nomination papers for elections to Halavarthi gram panchayat. Her mother Channamma was injured in the lightning.