Anurag Thakur adds, “I’ve always given my 100%, whether it be cricket or politics.”

In the confines of the Sasan Naun Shiv temple in Hamirpur, ladies are singing patriotic songs to laud Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 11 a.m., as they excitedly await the arrival of their MP, Anurag Thakur, for an electoral meeting.

At eight in the morning, Thakur left his family house in Samirpur to speak at the first election meeting in Khagal village, which is under the Neri panchayat. After concluding the meeting, he makes his way to Sasan at 11:10, much to the glee of the party workers who yell Thakur and Modi’s names.

Having served as a Member of Parliament four times, Thakur talks to party members and pradhans by name in the chaste Hamirpuri dialect. He touches the feet and gives hugs to youngsters in order to ask for the blessings of the old. Dressed in a white kurta-pyjama, comfortable walking shoes, and his signature bright saffron scarf, he goes right to work so that he may finish the day’s activities on time.

He hardly gets five hours of sleep a night since he spends the rest of his time at his Samirpur house strategizing and meeting supporters. He addresses six to eight local electoral meetings a day, all of which conclude by 10 pm. Anurag, who caused a stir with his provocative cry “desh ke gadaroon ko-goli maro saalon ko,” continues to be belligerent in his lectures, often using phrases like “tukde tukde gang” and “Congress ki nafrat ki dukaan.”

PK Dhumal, the father and two-time chief minister, is a strong supporter and has a lot of power, despite the fact that a health condition has kept him from engaging in active campaigning this time. I dine with coworkers and don’t bring food from home since I’m not a picky eater. Indeed, gur chana, which I usually have in my vehicle, is my energy booster,” he replies.

He acknowledges that, despite his father’s disappointment and his desire for him to enlist in the Army like his grandpa, cricket has always been his first passion. “I have always given everything I have, whether it be in politics or cricket, with the only goal of winning people over,” he declares. Probably in an attempt to achieve his father’s unfulfilled desire, he became the first sitting Member of Parliament to be commissioned as a captain in the Territorial Army.

Here at home, he comes across as a modest, approachable young leader who is a son and brother to most, a stark contrast to his public persona as a strong former chairman of the BCCI and a sophisticated clergyman overseeing the crucial ministry of information and broadcasting. Thakur is a multi-talented guy with a large following among young people. He is a prominent minister, a former cricket player, and a captain in the Territorial Army.

His prospects of winning are further enhanced by the fact that, should the BJP hold onto power, he is expected to be appointed to the Modi Cabinet. “Your song speaks for Modi’s character and accomplishments, therefore, I won’t have to explain. Modi ji replies, “This is exactly why he gave women 50% reservation in the assembly and Parliament. Women are the most dependable group of voters.

Now that the speeches are finished, it’s time for selfies, particularly for the young people and ladies who have been itching to take pictures with him. “Bhashan ke liye 10 minutes, selfie ke liye 20,” a BJP agent at the booth level says, implying that Thakur is well-known. He says that bringing Modi back to power is crucial to preserving Sanatan Dharam.