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For last several years, Swati Kerkar, the lone woman candidate in fray for Goa Lok Sabha elections, has been using private buses to travel from her home in Ponda taluka to places for working on social causes.
But the unemployed woman, coming from a humble background, is now the centre of attraction for voters as she hops on bikes and pillion rides to their doorsteps seeking votes.
Dressed in traditional 'churidars', Swati (39), the daughter of Goan freedom fighter Sridhar Kerkar, is single and jobless but a much known face in South Goa district from where she is contesting on the Aam Aadmi Party ticket.
She is the only woman candidate in poll fray in both the parliamentary constituencies of the state.
"I was travelling by bus even after I was supposed to file the candidature but my colleagues told me it is not safe. You might be kidnapped," said Kerkar.
She is pitted against two young rivals - Congress' Aleixo Lourenco Reginaldo and BJP's Narendra Sawaikar and political stalwart Churchill Alemao, who is contesting on Trinamool Congress party ticket for the April 12 elections.
While the coastal state is witnessing a scorching summer as the mercury soars to 35 degree Celsius coupled with 86% humidity, Kerkar along with AAP cadre takes few minutes to rest in shade before heading for her campaigning.
Unlike other rivals who have flashy posters and swanky cars to travel in, Kerkar was today seen pillion riding a bike and occasionally getting into a jeep at Quepem where she was busy campaigning among people to garner support for the polls.
"The party has given me a four-wheeler to be used during campaigning but we use it only when we require it," said the activist-turned-politician, who has been part of movements against multi-national projects in the state, including special economic zones (SEZs).
AAP Goa unit president Walmiki Naik claimed that when Kerkar was selected to contest from South Goa, she had no money to pay for the security deposit of Rs 25,000.
"Many people pulled in resources for the security deposit and current election campaign," Naik said, adding that Kerkar has put her personal life on hold for the polls.
"My family is very supportive. I don't need to earn. My requirements are minimum," says Kerkar, as her voice turned hoarse due to frequent election speeches that she has been delivering during the corner meetings.
