Five-year barefoot vow ends with BJP ticket

Vadodara: Kokila Pawar's political journey in Vadodara is marked as much by grit as by an unusual personal vow. A grassroots worker of the BJP, Pawar was known for walking barefoot across the city, drawing curious glances from residents.Her decision, however, was not driven by faith. After being denied a ticket for the 2015 civic polls, Pawar resolved not to wear footwear until the party fielded her as a candidate. Despite years of disappointment, she continued her work at the grassroots, holding on to her promise.A decade later, that persistence has paid off. The BJP has fielded her from Ward 17 in the ongoing civic elections, bringing her long wait to an end."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 gave up footwear immediately after the 2015 setback and stuck to her decision for years, despite concerns from family and well-wishers. The vow, however, 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 resumed wearing chappals again.