There is a lot of interest amongst voters in the bank balances and assets possessed by the potential candidates in any election. This time, elections are in Gujarat and the interest remains the same. Surprisingly, there is a report of those candidates who are on the verge of destitution.
An earlier publication states that there are 40 identified candidates who have nothing to present as assets in the next month’s Gujarat assembly polls. 10 out of 40 candidates have zero income and assets, as per the affidavits submitted for the nomination process.
Mahendra Patni, 35, a vegetable vendor submitted his nomination papers for the North Gandhinagar seat. He asserted zero income and assets and he deposited the Rs 5,000 fee in one rupee coin. Patni’s main cause of opting for election is the protest against the administration as they ruined shanties where his people used to reside because of the new Gandhinagar Capital railway station project.
“Many were not rehabilitated. Standing for election is my way of protesting,” Patni said. He is going to collect a sufficient amount of money from street vendors in order to fund his campaign.
Manju Pingla, 39, an independent from the Khambhaliya seat, was terminated five months ago as a daily wager at the local municipality. She was thrashed as she was protesting against the decision. She tried to end her life by committing suicide but she was convinced not to. “People told me my plight will be known far and wide if I contest the election,” she says.
Rajesh Vaghela, 54, a retired cab driver who is contesting from Ellis Bridge, projects to seek a donation of Rs 10 from every donor. “My entire savings of Rs 5,000 was paid as the election deposit. I am in the fray to highlight the need for better education and infrastructure,” he said.
Jigisha Sondarwa, contesting from the Gandhidham seat, is a ticketing clerk at a Gandhidham theatre. She is disappointed at the elected candidates for their lack of support and for not fulfilling the basic necessities of her slum where she resides. “Drinking water and electricity supply are irregular and the gutters are overflowing all the time,” she says. Ektanagar slum has more than 2,000 votes.
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