<p>Holding a writing pad with a laminated admit card clipped to it in one hand and a water bottle in the other, a middle-aged man became the object of attraction of many students, who were intrigued by the odd sight at a <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/uttar-pradesh" target="_blank">Uttar Pradesh</a> Class 12 board exam centre here.</p>.<p>Appearing for the exam on February 16, the man waiting outside the centre was former <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/bjp" target="_blank">BJP</a> MLA Rajesh Mishra alias Pappu Bhartaul.</p>.<p>"Students who came for the exam were first surprised to see me. But they seemed happy to see that a politician from their area is appearing in the exam alongside them," said the 51-year-old politician.</p>.<p>Mishra got a ticket from the BJP in the 2017 Assembly polls and won from the Bithri Chainpur constituency of Bareilly. He, however, was denied a ticket from the party for assembly polls last year.</p>.<p>Even with his busy schedule as a politician, Mishra decided to advance his education. "I thought that I should start preparing for Class 12 board exams."</p>.<p>Mishra believes that advancing his studies will help him connect better with his younger constituents, but the move has an even bigger purpose.</p>.<p>"As an MLA I realised that a large number of people, especially those who are financially weak, don't get justice because they cannot afford a good lawyer. I wish to study law to help such people. To do so, it was necessary to clear Class 12 boards," said Mishra.</p>.<p>Just so he could become a lawyer, Mishra, despite having an avid interest in science, opted for the Arts stream.</p>.<p>"I have opted for Hindi, fine arts, Social Studies, Civics and Sociology as my subjects for the board exam. These subjects will help me in studying law too," he said.</p>.<p>As someone with an interest in science, his only complaint with arts subjects is that one has to write a lot.</p>.<p>"I study at night from 11 pm and 1 am. Even during day time I find sometime to focus on studies," said Mishra, a father of three grown up kids, who have all completed their graduation.</p>.<p>Like most households with a member appearing for boards or other exam, Mishra too gets special attention from his family. "I am exempted to be present at dining table and served food wherever I am studying. My children keep offering to help me with my study and also tell me tricks to do better in exams and manage exam stress," Mishra said with a smile.</p>.<p>He is confident that he will clear the exam and will continue his studies while remaining an active politician.</p>.<p>"I focus on my studies without worrying about anything. I even tell the same to young students. Working with focus is the only mantra for success in life," Mishra said.</p>
<p>Holding a writing pad with a laminated admit card clipped to it in one hand and a water bottle in the other, a middle-aged man became the object of attraction of many students, who were intrigued by the odd sight at a <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/uttar-pradesh" target="_blank">Uttar Pradesh</a> Class 12 board exam centre here.</p>.<p>Appearing for the exam on February 16, the man waiting outside the centre was former <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/bjp" target="_blank">BJP</a> MLA Rajesh Mishra alias Pappu Bhartaul.</p>.<p>"Students who came for the exam were first surprised to see me. But they seemed happy to see that a politician from their area is appearing in the exam alongside them," said the 51-year-old politician.</p>.<p>Mishra got a ticket from the BJP in the 2017 Assembly polls and won from the Bithri Chainpur constituency of Bareilly. He, however, was denied a ticket from the party for assembly polls last year.</p>.<p>Even with his busy schedule as a politician, Mishra decided to advance his education. "I thought that I should start preparing for Class 12 board exams."</p>.<p>Mishra believes that advancing his studies will help him connect better with his younger constituents, but the move has an even bigger purpose.</p>.<p>"As an MLA I realised that a large number of people, especially those who are financially weak, don't get justice because they cannot afford a good lawyer. I wish to study law to help such people. To do so, it was necessary to clear Class 12 boards," said Mishra.</p>.<p>Just so he could become a lawyer, Mishra, despite having an avid interest in science, opted for the Arts stream.</p>.<p>"I have opted for Hindi, fine arts, Social Studies, Civics and Sociology as my subjects for the board exam. These subjects will help me in studying law too," he said.</p>.<p>As someone with an interest in science, his only complaint with arts subjects is that one has to write a lot.</p>.<p>"I study at night from 11 pm and 1 am. Even during day time I find sometime to focus on studies," said Mishra, a father of three grown up kids, who have all completed their graduation.</p>.<p>Like most households with a member appearing for boards or other exam, Mishra too gets special attention from his family. "I am exempted to be present at dining table and served food wherever I am studying. My children keep offering to help me with my study and also tell me tricks to do better in exams and manage exam stress," Mishra said with a smile.</p>.<p>He is confident that he will clear the exam and will continue his studies while remaining an active politician.</p>.<p>"I focus on my studies without worrying about anything. I even tell the same to young students. Working with focus is the only mantra for success in life," Mishra said.</p>