4 days Ago By Ardhra Nair
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 room for Rs6,000 a month, she and her team took on civic issues such street lighting and securing CCTV coverage near Dandekar Pul for women's safety. "We advocate everything, from addressing domestic violence to solving problems related to schools and hospitals," she said, balancing her activism with tutoring to sustain herself. She said political parties ignore fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, particularly the right to dignity, which encompasses gainful employment, free and quality education and healthcare, and affordable housing.
She pointed to anganwadi workers who have long fought for better wages and recognition. "Instead of fulfilling these demands, political parties make empty promises in their manifestos," she said. Unemployment and lack of opportunities for the youth in slum areas deeply concern Lalita.
"Addiction and crime are rising because of the lack of dignified livelihoods. Even amenities like playgrounds are missing," she said. She is vocal about the plight of unorganised workers in Parvati which she estimates to be around 3–4 lakh.
"There no employment exchanges for unorganised workers. Instead, they gather at labour nakas where only a fraction secures work for the day. The rest return home empty-handed," she added.
RWPI's manifesto reflects Lalita's vision for systemic change. It includes demands for permanent employment for all, a minimum wage of Rs30,000 or an unemployment allowance of Rs15,000 per month, free quality education, housing, and healthcare, a six-hour workday, absorption of scheme workers as permanent employees, and progressive taxation on the wealthy. Lalita emphasises that her campaign relies on contributions from hard-working people.
"We fight for all working people, regardless of age. This isn't about immediate victory but building a movement. If not today, they will one day realise that mainstream parties serve themselves, not the people," she added.
Her campaign has challenges but Lalita remains optimistic. "We are fighting to win. If not today, then in the future.
We are sowing the seeds of change," she said, adding that post-elections, she will resume tutoring..
