Syed Habib/Kamal Kumawat, Udaipur.

Udaipur’s politics is currently contesting more than just a Municipal Corporation election. It is being tested on its temperament, political decorum and, above all, the patience of a seasoned player.

At a time when politics has increasingly come to be associated with tearing one’s clothes apart at public crossroads, hurling abuses and raising the banner of rebellion at the slightest disappointment over a ticket, there is a politician who, for nearly three decades, has accepted every party decision without bitterness, rebellion or unnecessary drama. His name is Pramod Samar.

This time, Ward 51 of the Udaipur Municipal Corporation is no longer merely a ward-level contest. It has emerged as one of the city’s most closely watched political battlegrounds. The crowd of party workers gathering outside Samar’s election office could easily make one wonder whether the contest is for a municipal councillor or for a much larger Assembly or Lok Sabha seat.

Samar is widely regarded as one of the BJP’s most natural and formidable contenders for the Mayor’s post. Facing him is Congress candidate Gajendra Singh Shaktawat, while several independents are also attempting to alter the electoral arithmetic. Yet, Samar’s presence has given the contest a distinct sense of political dignity.

Those who have closely followed Udaipur’s politics know that Pramod Samar belongs to a generation of leaders who held more than two dozen positions within the party, worked patiently to strengthen the organisation and built such a deep presence in the field of cooperative affairs that many came to regard him as an undisputed authority in the sector.

The city still remembers the political episode of 2004. After winning as a councillor, Samar was considered a natural contender for the post of Chairman. Yet, when the party chose Ravindra Shrimali, Samar did not create a scene or publicly protest. Instead, he quietly accepted the decision and devoted himself to his responsibilities as a committee chairman.

He was never sent to the Legislative Assembly or Parliament. That may have been the party’s decision, but Samar never took his grievances to the streets or embarrassed the very organisation whose political platform had given him his standing. His opponents have fired countless political arrows at him and levelled numerous allegations, but Samar has rarely allowed his language to cross the boundaries of political decorum.

When one speaks to him about Udaipur, it becomes clear that he is not merely a conventional politician reciting a list of civic problems. He has a defined and serious vision for the City of Lakes.

He talks about developing a night market, creating world-class infrastructure for tourists, strengthening the city’s lakes and developing surrounding areas as new tourism destinations. He also speaks of a long-term strategy that links employment with education, including the establishment of technical universities and schools.

His argument is simple, yet it holds up a mirror to the city’s future:

“Udaipur has been a leader in tourism and cleanliness, but staying at the top and becoming number one on other parameters is the real challenge.”

His approach to Ward 51 is equally far removed from superficial politics. Samar understands that the ward represents one of the city’s important intellectual and healthcare centres, with universities, colleges and major hospitals. The historic Ayad River also passes through the area.

For decades, the Ayad has acquired a negative image largely because of administrative failures. Samar, however, wants to transform that negativity into positive energy and development. He acknowledges that inertia exists within the government machinery, but believes that a determined political will can always find a way forward.

In politics, victory and defeat may simply be matters of time. But when the pages of political integrity, patience and dignity are turned, Pramod Samar’s journey could remain an example for those who lose their way at the very first turn.

Now, the decision rests with the voters of Udaipur.

Will they hand over the city’s leadership to a politician whose journey has been defined by patience, restraint and long-term vision—or will politics continue to follow the same old course?

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