Angul: If Assemblies and Parliament can have screen idols as members, a panchayat in the district may have an Ollywood actor as the sarpanch this time.
Adding glamour to panchayat elections, Odia film actor Amaresh Nath has filed nomination for sarpanch post of Tangiri panchayat under Chhendipada block. Attired in jeans and T shirt or colourful kurta, Amaresh has taken up the tedious work of campaigning.
Accompanied by a handful of supporters, he is moving from door to door in dusty narrow lanes of villages to approach the voters to elect him as their representative. With 9 years of experience in make-believe world of theatres and movies and having a family of political connections, making people believe in his promises to work for their welfare does not prove hard for him.
The actor of ‘Jhiati Bigidgala’, ‘Tandav’ and ‘Durgati Nashini’ has also proved his acting talent in many tele-serials and Odia and Bengali music albums.
Local problems like in healthcare, education, agriculture and corruption top his agenda. “After serving the people through entertainment, now I want to serve them in resolving their real problems,” said Amaresh who also holds a pharmacy diploma and LLB degree.
He finds corruption as the major stumbling block for development of poor and deprived sections of society at grassroots and is determined to fight against it. “Due to corruption, most of the welfare schemes of the state and Central governments cannot reach the real beneficiaries. I am sure if the issues can be taken up forcefully at right platforms, the benefits will percolate down to ground level,” said the actor with a confidence in his voice.
[Watch] Reel To Real: Ollywood Actor Jumps To Panchayat Poll Arena In Odisha’s Angul – YouTube
His friendly approach and polished behaviour have also endeared Amaresh to the people.
“It is good that young boys and girls with different backgrounds are entering politics. Amaresh is a local boy and understands our problems and issues. I hope he wins and takes up our difficulties with the authorities in Bhubaneswar,” said Adikandh Behera, a villager of the panchayat.
Though it is a big jump from tinsel world to murky waters of politics, Amaresh appears determined to play a long innings in his new role. If he succeeds, he will pain a new colour on the image of politicians at panchayat level.
