World Biggest Election Losser

Despite losing 238 times, he will still contest in the election.

Photo : Hindustan Times

Padmarajan, the 65-year-old owner of a tire repair shop in Tamil Nadu, began his political journey from his hometown of Mettur in 1988. The public used to laugh when they saw him entering the electoral fray. However, he says he wants to prove that even an ordinary person can participate in elections. Padmarajan states, "Every candidate wants to win the election, but I am not that person." For him, participation is victory. When news of his defeat in the elections reaches him, he remains happy in his loss.

This year, the general elections are set to begin on April 19, covering six weeks. In this election, Padmarajan has once again become a candidate, this time contesting for a parliamentary seat in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri district.

Starting from the presidential elections in India to local government elections, Padmarajan has already gained a reputation among the people as the "king of elections." Year after year, he has participated in elections, facing defeats against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's BJP, and also against Manmohan Singh.

According to Padmarajan, victory is not the ultimate goal for him. In his words, "I don't worry about who will stand against me." He has spent thousands of dollars on elections, which is not a big deal for him. For example, in the ongoing elections, he has to deposit 25,000 rupees as security.

Padmarajan's biggest success came in the 2011 Rajya Sabha elections, where he received 6,273 votes from Mettur. However, although he won in that election, he received 75,000 votes.

Padmarajan says, "I don't expect a single vote. But I can see that people have started accepting me."