Vadodara: Kokila Pawar's political journey in Vadodara is defined both by resilience and an extraordinary personal pledge. A grassroots worker for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Pawar became a familiar sight walking barefoot across the city, often drawing puzzled looks from residents.
Her decision was not rooted in religious faith. After being denied a ticket for the 2015 municipal elections, Pawar vowed not to wear footwear until the party nominated her as a candidate. Despite repeated disappointments over the years, she continued her grassroots work, steadfastly adhering to her promise.
A decade later, her perseverance has borne fruit. The BJP has fielded her from Ward 17 in the ongoing civic polls, finally ending her long wait.
"I am very happy that the party heard my voice. I have worked hard for years, and the vow I took also pushed me forward," Pawar said during her campaign in Manjalpur.
She abandoned footwear immediately after the 2015 setback and maintained her stance for years, despite concerns from family and well-wishers. However, the vow came at a cost. In 2020, she suffered a serious injury when a piece of glass pierced her foot, requiring stitches.
Following medical advice and pressure from her family, Pawar eventually resumed wearing sandals again.
