8-month pregnant candidate finds warmth from voters in Kolhapur ward

Kolhapur: Geetanjali Hawaldar, the Congress candidate for Kolhapur city's Ward 18 B, is expecting. In more ways than one. Eight months into her pregnancy, she is expecting a baby very soon, but the dedicated campaigner is also expecting voters to acknowledge her "commitment" and help her win."Kolhapur city is lacking in development. That is why I have decided to contest the elections even in this condition." To better understand local problems, she prefers to walk through the ward instead of using a bike or car. "I noticed several critical issues like poor roads, bad drainage systems, and garbage problems while walking in my ward. I want to tell people that the Rs 1,500 given to Ladki Bahin beneficiaries will not last long. If, even in this situation, I am campaigning for the development of my ward and my city, then they should give their votes to me and see what development I will do in the next five years," Hawaldar said.She campaigns door-to-door with around 20 women supporters in two daily sessions — 9am to noon and 4pm to 7pm. "I am overwhelmed, at the same time humbled, by the warmth the voters are showering upon me. I always carry a bottle of water, lemon juice, and some fruits with me. Wherever I go, the women voters offer me tea, water, fruits, etc. Some ask me to sit and take some rest. I have also come across a few voters who are medical practitioners, and they usually advise me on what precautions and care I should take for the baby and myself," Hawaldar said.The decision to field Geetanjali Hawaldar from the seat was taken after Ward 18 B was reserved for women from backward classes. Her husband, Mahesh Hawaldar, said, "I have been a Congress worker for the past 10 years. We want to develop our ward. When it got reserved for women from the backward classes, we decided not to lose the opportunity and fielded Geetanjali. We take proper care of her health while she is busy campaigning."