Bihar cobbler now slogs to repay poll debt

Chedi Ram said he had spent Rs.16,000 for contesting polls.

"I used Rs.6,000 of my own money that I collected for this purpose. I also took a loan of Rs.10,000 for it," he said.

Chedi Ram is frank to admit that he was not really in the fight.

"I contested to fulfill my desire...I may be poorest of the poor Dalit, but I have proved that I could contest in polls," he told IANS.

Chedi Ram said he will have to work for months to pay off his debt to villagers.

"It is a difficult task for me as I have to manage my family and pay back debt out of whatever I earn daily by polishing shoes and sandals," he said.