Kaka Joginder Singh

Kaka Joginder Singh (1918 in Gujranwala - December 23, 1998 in Bareilly) (alias Dharti Pakad meaning "one who clings to the ground") was a textile owner who contested and lost over 300 elections in India.

Early life and career

He was born the 14th out of 16 children in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan) to Punjabi parents. He went to college and earned masters degrees in sociology and philosophy. Kaka earned his money through his family's textile mill in Bareilly. In elections, he always contested as an independent, and always lost.

Thoughts on his campaigns

Kaka 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.

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 Pakad"

His nomination papers were usually disregarded by the election commissionand he earned the nickname Dharti Pakad (one who clings) after several unsuccessful...
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