Jignesh Mevani's family has been stunned by his sudden rise in politics.
Around 100 people gathered around the crossroads leading to Chuvaad 2 society in Meghaninagar, trying to catch a glimpse of Jignesh Mevani, the local lad and newly minted MLA. Some remember him as the boy next door, others say they knew him only after he gained prominence for leading an agitation against the government following the Una incident.They were all waiting for the Dalit leader to reach his family home for the first team after being elected to the Gujarat assembly.
But Mevani's political plunge and success has come as a surprise even to his family. " We had no clue he was going to contest the elections. In fact, he told us only after filing the nomination," said Darshan Mevani, his brother.
The family says they knew of Jignesh's work. " Following the Una agitation his supporters would meet at our house. Sometimes the meeting would go late into the night," said his mother Chandrikaben Parmar who is a retired teacher. She says Jignesh has often been involved with social causes. His mother recalls him as a extremely naughty kid who constantly picked fights with his brother. "He was never a picky eater but loved cricket," says Chandrikaben. She admits they were a little apprehensive about his entry into politics.
"He has been demanding the rights of Dalits on the streets. It was time to take it to the power corridors," sad Govind Mehariya who had been with him for two years since the agitation. Mehariya said Mevani was a reluctant entrant into politics. " But now that he is in it, he will ensure that the voice of Dalits reach the power corridors," said Mehariya.
A society member days she never knew of him until now, another says she has known him since he was a kid. Incidentally, the Mevani's shifted to their present residence 17 years ago. The Mevani family is already experiencing the perks of having an MLA in the family. People are thronging to their house, a well furnished bungalow in the Chuvand2 society, in Meghaninagar area of the city.
The Mevani family finds it ironical that the Gujarat police that often tailed him during his agitation days is now honour bound to protect him. "We were worried about him then. We are worried about him now," said Darshan. The family does not know how their life will change by virtue of having an MLA in the family. But they know one thing for sure, "Jignesh won't give up on agitation."
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 "Jignesh Mevani gets a hero's welcome")
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