Journalism of Courage
Ashwini Kadam,a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) rebel,went on to become the only Independent candidate to win in PMC polls from panel 67B Sahakarnagar-Ambegaon area. Kadam,however,has no immediate plans to return to the party.
Though I did get a couple of calls asking me come back,I have to think it through. It is not a matter of a short while,but of five years, she said.
Kadam defeated Manisha Wable of the Congress by a margin of over 2,500 votes. For Kadam,who was the sitting NCP corporator,this win just means more responsibility and opportunity to work towards development.
Kadam has Masters in applied arts as well as Marathi. She teaches drawing and Marathi in Seva Sadan Sanstha.
Kadam said she was confident of getting an NCP ticket,but was disappointed when that did not happen. It was just 15 days before elections and for me,contesting the poll as an Independent was unlikely. However,many people from my ward not only urged me to contest the election,but also assured me that I would win enough votes to get re-elected. It was then I decided to contest as an Independent, she said.
While NCP and other candidates in the ward had already begun campaigning,it was a challenge for Kadam to get the Independent candidates symbol (slate) and then begin her campaign. But my husband Nitin Kadams experience,my own work along with peoples trust have been instrumental in my win, she said.
Kadam said she would now concentrate on three prime issues underground Metro that will help resolve traffic woes in her panel,regular drinking water supply,especially in area like Shiv Darshan Society,and to erect and maintain toilets in the area.
