Kaka Joginder Singh (1918 in Gujranwala – 23 December 1998, in Bareilly) (also known as Dharti Pakar, meaning "one who clings") was a textile owner and perennial candidate who contested and lost over 300 elections in India.The Evergreen Candidate Rediff - 4 February 1998Uncorking the mirth IndianTelevision - 4 February 2004
Early life and career He earned his money through his shop in Bareilly KAKA STORE DHARTIPAKADBareilly. In elections, he always contested as an independent, and always lost.
Thoughts on his campaigns Singh looked at the security deposit which he has always lost as his 'humble contribution' to the national fund, and said he never campaigned or used money to earn support. The campaign donations for 1991 were Rs. 2500 and after 1997, the security deposit was raised to Rs. 15000.Capt Sahgal creates history The Tribune, Chandigarh - 17 June 2002
His election promises included: repaying all foreign loans, more character building in schools, and bringing back the barter system as a panacea for the Indian economy.
Earning of "Dharti Pakar" His nomination papers were usually disregarded by the election commission and he earned the nickname Dharti Pakar (one who clings) after several unsuccessful runs for the President of India. The most prolific year for him was during the 1992 10th Presidential elections where he earned fourth place in the polling with 1135 votes, losing to Shankar Dayal Sharma. He also contested elections from 14 states of India in the 1990s, mostly for state assemblies. In 1992 he contested against K.R. Narayanan for Vice-President of India and secured 1 vote.
Election efforts He earned 451 votes (0.23%) in the Ludhiana poll for 1982Ludhiana-82 Punjab Elections He earned 1848 votes (0.33%) in the Ludhiana poll for 1985 Ludhiana-85 - Punjab Elections He earned 46 votes in the 1991 New Delhi elections1.New Delhi(NATIONAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF DELHI) 1991 Election Commission of India He was fourth in the polling for the Nandyal Lok Sabha election of 1991 with 1506 votes (.001%) Biographical Sketch Member of Parliament XI Lok Sabha - IndiaPress He was fourth in the polling for president in 1991 BACKGROUNDER - NIC Archives He was eighth place in the polling for the Lucknow Lok Sabha elections of 1998, with 212 votes (0.02%)Results:Uttar Pradesh - Govt of India Press Bureau
Death Singh died on 23 December 1998.Dhartipakar dead TribuneIndia - 24 December 1998 Earlier in the year, he tried to contest elections against BJP leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L. K. Advani.
See also Hotte Paksha Rangaswamy K. Padmarajan
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