This super supporter cycled 700 km to Delhi to meet minister

SHAHJAHANPUR: When Krishna Raj arrived in the city on Thursday, could her super supporter be far away? Meet 22-year-old Rakesh Yadav who sells tea at Shahjahanpur railway station. He took a day off from work and came to welcome her. The minister in turn acknowledged his presence and allowed him to get some photographs clicked with her. In fact, the day he heard that the MP had been inducted into the Narendra Modi cabinet, Yadav sat on his bicycle and pedalled all the way to New Delhi, covering a total distance of around 700 km, to congratulate Shahjahanpur’s MP Krishna Raj.
Earlier, Rakesh actively campaigned for Modi in 2014 during the Lok Sabha elections and covered a distance of around 3,000 km on his bicycle. Despite his poor financial status, he campaigns free for BJP.
Yadav still remembers the day when he got news that Krishna Raj had become a minister. He decided to immediately to go to New Delhi and congratulate her personally. Next day, on July 6, he left for Delhi on his bicycle with only Rs 350 in his pocket. He reached Delhi after cycling for 24 hours. On the way, his cycle broke down and after paying for its repairs, he was left with no money. He called on Krishna Raj at her residence. He stayed there for a night. Before leaving, he was given Rs 1,000 and after being blessed by the MP, headed home.
“I consider her (Krishna Raj) as my mother because she treated me like her own child. Initially, she scolded me for travelling on a bicycle and later, she offered me sweets. I had my lunch and dinner at her house, ” he told TOI.
Krishna Raj was all praise for Rakesh Yadav. She told TOI, “I was initially shocked to see him in Delhi with his cycle and at the same time I felt proud to have such a fan. My blessings are always with him.”
Rakesh Yadav lives at Paina Bujurg village, 10 km from Shahjahanpur city. He started cycling in 2002. Talking to TOI, he said wants to represent India in cycling events but does not have the means to participate in such events. He cycles 100 km daily. He recently participated at the Saifai Mahotsav where is secured 13th position among 17,000 contestants and won Rs 10,000 as prize. He is also the winner of Cantonment Mahotsav at Shahjahanpur.
Rakesh Yadav said works for a contractor and sells tea and samosa, earning Rs 150 a day. He had to discontinue his studies after Class VII. “I purchased my bicycle for Rs 4,500 in 2012 and I am collecting money to buy a sports bicycle to participate in higher events.”