Ahmedabad: Asha Dantani has spent years selling her wares at the famed Ravivari market — the Sunday ritual also known as Gujri Bazaar. But this Sunday was different. As shoppers brushed past and bargaining rang in the air, Dantani beamed, flashing a victory sign. The hawker from Shahpur is now also an Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) poll candidate. “I have been working for my party in various capacities for 20 years now. I am connected to the grassroots. I was happy when I got the mandate to represent the people of my area. I will do my best to address their issues,” Dantani said, readying her goods as campaigning blended seamlessly with her day’s work. With polls drawing closer, several candidates who have received party tickets used Sunday — traditionally a political and social touchpoint — to go door-to-door, and seek voter trust. Mayur Rupala from Ghatlodia is another contender who rose from office help to party worker. Dhrumil Patel, a ward in-charge said. “He is a teacher trainer, a writer and a poet. He was the best candidate for the seat and is now outlining the work done in the area.” Patel added that the party has also fielded a woman candidate with an MBA degree. tnn
