The story of Roshan Lal Verma, who won the Tilhar seat in Shahjahanpur on a BJP ticket in 2022 — struggle, booth management, development and a deep bond with the people.
In the politics of Uttar Pradesh, the Tilhar constituency of Shahjahanpur district has always been a subject of keen discussion. In tea shops along its lanes people debate politics, in the fields farmers talk about development, and in the towns the youth dissect Assembly Election strategies. From this very land, Roshan Lal Verma registered a victory as the BJP candidate in the 2022 Assembly Election. That victory was not merely an electoral outcome; it was the culmination of decades of struggle, deep connect with the people and a long story of grounded political understanding.
The Tilhar seat is a unique confluence of social equations. Farmers, traders, youth, women and people of diverse communities live here. Caste arithmetic, local issues and aspirations for development together shape its politics. Roshan Lal Verma wove these many threads into a strong political fabric. Behind the victory lay a fine understanding of booth management, coordination with the party organisation and everyday presence among the people.
The 2022 election was historic for Uttar Pradesh politics. The BJP returned to power, and leaders like Roshan Lal Verma ensured the lotus bloomed on their respective seats. But the story of this victory begins long before 2022 — in the lanes, villages, party meetings and days of struggle when Roshan Lal Verma treated politics not as a career but as a medium of service.
Childhood and Family
Roshan Lal Verma was born into a modest family in Shahjahanpur district. Childhood was spent in the soil of Tilhar — the same soil where ploughs run in the fields at dawn and political discussions fill the village chaupal by evening. The family atmosphere was one of simplicity, hard work and values. The father was disciplined and industrious, the mother an embodiment of affection and patience. From childhood, Roshan Lal Verma carried an urge to help others.
Neighbours recall that Roshan Lal Verma was different even as a child. On the way to school, if an elderly person was spotted, Roshan Lal Verma would carry their load; if a poor child needed books, Roshan Lal Verma would share his own. That sensitivity later became the foundation of his politics. The family taught that a person’s true earning is respect and the trust of people.
The family’s economic condition was not affluent, but there was no dearth of honour and hard work. Early on, Roshan Lal Verma understood that to bring change in a region like Tilhar, merely dreaming is not enough — one must work on the ground. His grandfather often said, ‘Son, only the leader who treats people’s pain as his own survives in politics.’ That lesson settled deep in Roshan Lal Verma’s mind.
Even today Roshan Lal Verma remains deeply attached to the family. The spouse manages the household and is active in social work; the children are pursuing studies. The family is Roshan Lal Verma’s greatest strength — during elections, when campaigning runs day and night, it is the family that gives courage. The people of Tilhar treat Roshan Lal Verma’s family as their own, and that relationship is his biggest political capital.
The values received from childhood lanes, school friends and neighbourhood elders kept Roshan Lal Verma grounded. Even after becoming a big leader, he meets old friends with the same warmth. That simplicity brings him close to the hearts of Tilhar’s people.
Education and Early Life
Roshan Lal Verma’s early schooling took place in a local school in Tilhar itself. A bright student, Roshan Lal Verma was never confined to bookish knowledge alone. During school days, participation in debates, sports and cultural programmes was enthusiastic. Teachers recall that leadership qualities were visible early — if any dispute arose in class, Roshan Lal Verma was the first to resolve it.
For higher education, admission was taken in a reputed college of the district. There came contact with student politics. During college, Roshan Lal Verma participated in student union activities and raised voice for students’ problems. It was here that political understanding developed — learning how an organisation works, what booth management means and how to communicate with the people.
Education gave Roshan Lal Verma a broad perspective. Deep interest was taken in history, sociology and political science. From books came the understanding that in a democracy real power lies in the hands of the people. That thought drew Roshan Lal Verma toward party politics. Alongside studies, social work continued — teaching poor children, running literacy campaigns in villages.
Classmates still remember that Roshan Lal Verma always said, ‘Education means not just a degree but the understanding to change society.’ That philosophy became the basis of the political journey. Education gave logic, patience and foresight, which later proved invaluable in big battles like the Assembly Election.
Entry into Politics
Roshan Lal Verma’s entry into politics is not a filmy story but one built gradually through perseverance. Initially, Roshan Lal Verma joined the BJP as an ordinary worker. Laying chairs in party meetings, pasting posters, visiting villages to meet people — that was the schooling. But hard work and dedication soon caught the attention of senior leaders.
First came work at the booth level. The nuances of booth management were learned — how voter lists are made, how mobilisation happens on polling day, how the party’s message reaches every home. Roshan Lal Verma began to know the pulse of every booth in Tilhar. The party gave responsibilities at the mandal level, then at the district level. Every responsibility was discharged with full dedication.
In the early political days, guidance came from several senior leaders. It was learned that patience is the biggest weapon in politics. There is a long queue of ticket seekers, but the party trusts only the one who sweats for the organisation. Roshan Lal Verma never took shortcuts, believing that people’s trust is the real ticket.
Gradually an identity emerged in Tilhar — ‘the leader who stands with everyone in every joy and sorrow.’ Wedding or bereavement, hospital or police station — Roshan Lal Verma reached everywhere. That grounded presence became the biggest strength, and the party leadership reposed faith in 2022 by giving the ticket from Tilhar.
Years of Struggle
There are many chapters of struggle in Roshan Lal Verma’s political journey. In the early days resources were scarce. Standing against veteran leaders of other parties was not easy. In Tilhar, the SP, BSP and Congress had strong networks. But Roshan Lal Verma did not give up, often saying struggle is what tempers a leader.
There came a time when there was tussle over the ticket within the party itself. Many claimants, each asserting candidacy. Roshan Lal Verma chose to work among the people rather than indulge in lobby politics. Padyatras were undertaken village to village, street corner meetings held, dialogue with youth. That hard work reached the party high command.
The economic struggle was no less. Contesting elections is expensive, but Roshan Lal Verma fought with limited resources through superior booth management and a volunteer network. Workers toiled day and night. Women campaigned door to door, youth took out bike rallies. It was like a people’s movement.
Opponents many times tried to tarnish the image and spread rumours. But Roshan Lal Verma never answered negative politics with negativity, staying anchored to development issues — roads, electricity, water, education, health. The people recognised the sincerity. Those years of struggle made Roshan Lal Verma a strong, patient and mature leader.
Bond with the People
The people of Tilhar treat Roshan Lal Verma more as family than as a leader. The day begins with meeting the public. Every complainant at the residence is heard personally. A stuck pension, a missing ration card, a child’s blocked admission — Roshan Lal Verma takes every problem seriously.
The belief is that an MLA should be the ‘Most Loved Assistant’ — the people’s most trusted aide. Regular chaupals are held in every village. Blessings are sought by touching elders’ feet, employment discussed with youth, safety and dignity discussed with women. That direct dialogue is the secret of popularity.
The service rendered during the Covid period is still remembered in Tilhar. Ration distribution, arranging medicines, help in hospitals — Roshan Lal Verma remained engaged day and night. In floods or other calamities too, Roshan Lal Verma is the first to reach the spot. People say, ‘The one who stands with you in crisis is the real leader.’
During festivals Roshan Lal Verma stays among the people — colours at Holi, lamps at Diwali, embraces at Eid. Joining the joys and sorrows of every community is a habit. This emotional bond with Tilhar’s people is the biggest political strength, serving well in every Assembly Election.
The 2022 Election
The 2022 Assembly Election was a trial by fire for Roshan Lal Verma. The BJP reposed faith by giving the ticket from Tilhar. The contest was tough — both SP and BSP had fielded strong candidates. But Roshan Lal Verma fought the election on issues, rising above caste equations to talk about development.
The electoral strategy was anchored in booth management. Panna pramukhs at every booth, active volunteers in every village. Door-to-door contact alongside digital campaigning. Senior party leaders also held meetings in support. But the real campaign was Roshan Lal Verma’s own public contact — 18-hour days spent in villages.
During the campaign the report card of development was placed before the people — the network of roads, availability of electricity, housing for the poor, Samman Nidhi for farmers. For women, security and self-help groups were discussed. Youth were promised employment and skill development.
On polling day Tilhar saw heavy turnout. When results came, Roshan Lal Verma registered a decisive victory. As news spread, workers celebrated. Roshan Lal Verma credited the victory to the people and party workers, saying, ‘This victory is not mine, it belongs to the people of Tilhar.’ The 2022 win became a milestone of the political journey.
Development Work
After becoming MLA, Roshan Lal Verma gave top priority to development in Tilhar. The thinking is clear — politics means not just winning elections but changing people’s lives. First, the condition of roads was improved. Villages were connected with pucca roads. Dilapidated stretches were rebuilt.
In education, many primary schools were transformed. Digital classrooms, libraries and playgrounds came up. For health, primary health centres were upgraded and availability of medicines ensured. For clean drinking water, handpumps and piped water schemes were pursued.
For farmers Roshan Lal Verma took special initiatives — irrigation facilities, timely fertilisers and seeds, easy access to mandis. Poor families received houses under the PM Awas Yojana. Beneficiaries of widow pension, old-age pension and disability pension increased. For youth, skill development centres and job fairs were organised.
In the towns of Tilhar, attention was also given to street lights, drains and sanitation. Roshan Lal Verma regularly reviews development projects and holds meetings with officials. People say Tilhar has seen tangible development in Roshan Lal Verma’s tenure — development visible on the ground, not just on paper.
Battles with Rivals
In the politics of Tilhar, Roshan Lal Verma has faced several stalwarts. The SP has had a strong base here, the BSP too holds sway over Dalit votes. But Roshan Lal Verma met every challenge with development and public contact.
The main rival was the SP candidate, who bet on caste equations. The BSP also tried to cut into votes. But Roshan Lal Verma stayed away from polarisation and spoke of inclusive development — taking ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ to the ground.
Within the party too there are occasional murmurs of dissent, but Roshan Lal Verma carries the organisation along, respecting senior leaders and promoting young workers. That balance keeps things strong on both internal and external fronts.
Coming elections may see an even tougher contest, with the opposition arriving with new strategies. But supporters believe the direct connect with people and the track record of development are the biggest shield. The voters of Tilhar now vote on issues, and on that count Roshan Lal Verma’s side is heavier.
Personality
Roshan Lal Verma’s personality is a rare blend of simplicity and firmness. The day starts early, beginning with meeting the people. Simplicity in food and dress — kurta-pyjama and an affectionate smile are the identity.
A good listener, people say, ‘Go to Roshan Lal Verma ji and he listens to you with full attention.’ That quality sets the leader apart from the crowd. Anger is rare, but on principles Roshan Lal Verma remains unshakeable. The image on corruption is clean.
In family life, a devoted parent and spouse, finding time for family despite a busy schedule. There is interest in spirituality too — regular temple visits and respect for all religions.
Close aides say Roshan Lal Verma loves reading books, especially biographies of great men. The advice to youth is always — ‘Work hard, stay honest, success will follow.’ That life philosophy makes the personality inspiring.
Challenges Ahead
Many challenges lie ahead for Roshan Lal Verma. In Tilhar, issues like unemployment, migration and agrarian distress persist. Youth need employment at the local level. Farmers need remunerative prices and better irrigation. Living up to these expectations will not be easy.
Preparation for the 2027 Assembly Election is also a challenge. The opposition will be strong, new issues will arise. Roshan Lal Verma will have to accelerate development works, strengthen booth management further and connect with new voters.
There is also demand for better infrastructure in Shahjahanpur district — rail, roads, industry. Roshan Lal Verma’s goal is to make Tilhar a model constituency, for which more projects must be brought from the state government.
But those who know Roshan Lal Verma believe challenges do not frighten but further strengthen. The saying goes, ‘With people’s blessings, every challenge becomes an opportunity.’ The coming years will be decisive for the politics of Tilhar.
The story of Roshan Lal Verma is an inspiring tale rising from the soil of Tilhar — the journey from an ordinary worker to MLA. It tells that true politics is about service, struggle and connect with the people. The 2022 victory is only a milestone; the destination is still ahead.
The people of Tilhar have high hopes from Roshan Lal Verma. The foundation of development that has been laid must be strengthened further. If work continues with the same dedication and hard work, the future of Tilhar is bright.
Many leaders come and go in politics, but the one who settles in people’s hearts makes history. Roshan Lal Verma has made that place in the hearts of Tilhar’s people. The story is an inspiration for coming generations — that with honesty, hard work and service any milestone can be achieved. This story of Tilhar continues, and the whole of Shahjahanpur awaits its next chapter.
