Mysuru: Pourakarmikas of the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), who played a key role in the city getting the ‘Cleanest City’ tag for two successive terms, are now trying their hand in politics, with five of them contesting the Aug.31 MCC polls from different parties.

Pooja is contesting on a BJP ticket from Ward 32 (Ghousianagar ‘A’ Block), while R. Subramani is contesting as BJP candidate from Ward 39 (Gayatripuram 1st Stage); R. Shantamma Vadivelu as BJP candidate (Ward 62 – Vishveswaranagar); K. Nagarathna on a Congress ticket from Ward 62 and H.S. Vasanthi as JD(S) candidate (Ward 63 – J.P. Nagar).

All the contesting Pourakarmikas are of the opinion that becoming a Corporator will help them in addressing civic issues and as well as the problems being faced by Pourakarmikas.

The candidates, who are civic workers themselves, have a deeper understanding of drainage, sanitation and other such civic issues. The candidates believe that they can do justice to their job if elected as a Corporator, as it would give them an official platform to raise issues concerning the city and find solutions for the problems being faced by Pourakarmikas.

BJP candidate from Ward 62 R. Shantamma Vadivelu says that her first priority would be to find long lasting solutions for the problems being faced by Pourakarmikas. Listing out her priorities, she said that pot-hole-free roads, development of parks, scientific disposal of wastes and infrastructure development in the Ward should be taken up first.

Pointing out that her mother-in-law had worked as an MCC Pourakarmika for over 15 years, she said that she was very much hopeful of winning as the voters are going to bless her.

Another Pourakarmika R. Subramani, who is contesting on a BJP ticket from Ward 39, says that he worked as a Pourakarmika for 32 years, before he quit the job, disappointed over non-regularisation of his service.

Expressing regret over the way the Pourakarmikas are being looked upon by some, he said that he has entered politics with a dream of making a mark in public life.

Pointing out that there are many shelterless people in the Ward, Subramani said that building houses for them would be among his first priorities.