The recently concluded civic polls in Odisha saw the election of the first Muslim woman, Gulmaki Dalawzi Habib as the chairperson of a local body in the state.
“My uncle, aunts…they are all active in the political sphere for the last 30 years. My maternal uncle was a councillor and my maternal aunt was elected as vice-chairman many years ago. I even married into a politically active family. So it was impossible to be detached from politics as such but I had never in my wildest imagination thought that I would contest an election and even win it,” said Habib.
“I was reluctant initially since this was new for me. But people here know my family well and everyone insisted that I take this up. Their trust and cooperation throughout the journey, from filing the nomination to the counting day, ensured my win,” Habib says.
“I had the support of the people of Bhadrak, irrespective of religion,” says Habib. “It is foolish to think that I won with the support of only one community. Nobody treated me any different. My brothers from the Hindu community campaigned for me, took to the stage to ask for votes. And I will work for everyone.”
Asked about her objectives, the new chairperson says she wants to “work on ground issues” and ensure the overall development of the town.
