Hazaribagh, Dec. 7: At Amnari village, some 13km from Hazaribagh town, a group of women rushed to greet him as Jai Shankar Pathak made his way through the dusty road, a string of supporters in tow.

'Mai aapki samasyaon ko achche se samajhta hoon. Yahan sab kuch hai, bus vision chahiye, (I understand your problems very well. It's just that right vision is required),' Pathak, the Congress candidate from Hazaribagh seat, told them as some among the group started narrating their woes while others urged him to visit the area more often.

'I will work to bring prosperity in this area with focus on basic facilities and development of infrastructure. I will be also in touch with you,' he promised with folded hands.

Clad in kurta pyjama and bundi, Pathak, who got the chance to try his luck from Hazaribagh after Congress sitting MLA Saurabh Narain Singh refused to contest this time, was taking a round of the constituency to convince people why they should vote for him.

Facing a direct contest with BJP's Manish Jaiswal, Pathak, son of former Barkatha MLA Late Lambodar Pathak, is not only battling the NaMo wave but also the anti-incumbency factor that is working against his own party.

But, speaking to The Telegraph at Amnari Basti, he was a picture of confidence.

'I graduated in political science from Hindu College and later did masters from Delhi University. I was a well-known student leader in my college days and was associated with the NSUI. Mere se achcha politics koi nahi janta hoga (No one knows politics better than me). All those contesting from here lack political vision, which is necessary to be an MLA,' he said.

Hoping to score on the development agenda, the aspiring legislator pointed out that other than basic facilities like roads, drinking water and healthcare services, Hazaribagh needed engineering colleges and polytechnic institutes to provide technical training in view of the upcoming power plants in the area.

'I am raising genuine issues. Just think, Sadar block doesn't have a girls' school. Right from sadar hospital to primary health centre, all lack doctors. I will work to sort out all these issues as well as do my best for employment generation,' he said.

Interacting with the residents of Korrah and Lakhe areas, Pathak said: 'I know very well that the town faces acute water crisis and I assure you to start supply of water from Konar Dam if I get elected.'

Apart from promising growth, Pathak is also invoking his father's goodwill - Lambodar Pathak was credited to have renovated the ancient Bhagwan Narsingh Sthan Temple in Khapariyawan - to connect with the masses.

'Yes, people have great respect for my father and as his son, I feel proud to take his name,' he said, the pride unmistakable in his voice.

Equally unquestionable is his loyalty for his party.

When pointed out that voters were impressed with his clean image, but didn't have a good opinion of his party, he maintained: 'What I am today is due to my party (the Congress) and I don't think ill of it.'

What about Jaiswal and Independent candidate Pradip Prasad, who is expected into the vote banks of both the Congress and the BJP?

'I feel people are looking for change and will elect me because I can bring development. I want to ask people why they are not getting coal despite the presence of so many mines here. They need an MLA, who can fight on all such issues,' Pathak, who starts his day at 6.30am and goes to bed at 12.30pm, said.

'I know that I have a very hectic schedule, but I have to touch each and every area of this constituency. I never carry food from home but prefer to eat food at any roadside dhaba along with my workers. I know people are taking me seriously and I request them to give me a chance. I will prove myself,' he signed off.

• Hazaribagh votes on December 9