Trade union leader Anjani Kumar Pandey (60) , who is contesting from Ranchi parliamentary seat as an Independent, filed his nomination on Thursday clad in a gamcha as a symbolic protest against the plight of poor farmers, labourers and factory workers of the country.

Ranchi DC cum returning officer Rai Mahimapat Ray looked visibly perplexed when Pandey walked into the nomination centre along with his supporters, also in gamchas.

“Anybody will be curious if a person visits an office in only a towel. Ranchi DC is a thorough gentleman. When he asked me about my attire, I told him I am sharing the pain of distressed farmers and labourers. They also can’t afford proper clothes and food at a time job opportunities under MGNREGS are limited,” Pandey said.

A native of Aurangabad district in Bihar and currently settled in Ranchi, Pandey is associated with trade unions like Jharkhand General Kamgar Union and Engineering Mazdoor Sabha.

“This is the first election where the poor, farmers and factory workers are out of the agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with help of his corporate friends is seeking votes in name of Indian army. Modi has allowed businessmen to loot government’s money,” he said.

Pandey also fights legal battles for organised and unorganised sector workers.

“From 1990, I have been fighting cases in labour courts and won all of them . But unfortunately I could not ensure justice because owners of factory and companies dragged the cases to high court. Often my lawyer was bribed and I was forced to personally argue the cases. I will keep fighting against injustice,” he said.

Pandey had contested 2014 parliamentary election from Ranchi seat and garnered around 1000 votes.

“I am satisfied that at least 1,000 people are convinced about my ability,” he said.