Pune: At 28, T Lalita , a graduate from Mumbai's prestigious St Xavier's College and a postgraduate from Mumbai University, has chosen a path few tread—politics. In a landscape where workers' rights and social security are mostly absent in political debates, Lalita's campaign as an independent in Parvati constituency stands out. With her assets totalling less than Rs1 lakh, her political campaign has been crowdfunded by marginalised groups like domestic workers, gig workers and others who gave between Rs5 and Rs500.
Contesting on the plastering trowel (karni) as her poll symbol, Lalita is carving out a path that symbolises her resolve to rebuild and strengthen the foundation of workers' rights. Born and raised in Mumbai, Lalita was deeply influenced by socio-political events like the student protests in Jawaharlal Nehru University and the death of Rohith Vemula. She said, "I grew up during the peak of India Against Corruption movement during the Congress's time.
When, the BJP came to power, I grew disillusioned with both parties. Even the Communist parties seemed to compromise their principles." During her stint with an NGO, Lalita discovered Revolutionary Workers' Party of India (RWPI) and eventually aligned with its cause.
The party has thrown its weight behind her. Her decision to contest the election stems from first-hand experiences of systemic neglect. Working as a contractual teacher in Pune, Lalita engaged with the community around Janata Vasahat slum.
Renting a roo.