Jayashree Mishra (52), a wiry lady, is a known face in Sambalpur town. Her presence is felt in all important events of the town and also in almost all sorts of meetings, be it political, social or cultural. She is also seen having shared photo sessions with many important leaders of the State and country, including former Prime Minister Chandrasekhar.
This time Jayashree is a candidate for the Sambalpur Assembly constituency. Her candidature is not new here. She has been contesting from this constituency since 1988 and the subsequent elections in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2009. But every time, she got defeated.
Her mode of electioneering is also very interesting. A lady with no cash can’t use even a cycle rickshaw for the purpose. However, she moves from door -to-door and approaches voters to vote for her. Everyone in the town likes her, but very few cast their votes for her. In the past polls, she managed to get on an average over 1,000 votes from the entire constituency.
“I am not worried for my defeat. I want to convey a message that when others spend lakhs and crores of rupees for elections, one can also contest polls with just a few hundreds. Victory or defeat is another matter,” says Jayashree with a smiling face. “But one day people (voters) will vote for the right candidates and will reject the moneyed ones,” Jayashree adds.
Jayashree is seen on the streets of the town with an umbrella, a bag and a water bottle (not mineral water). After she became a candidate, the administration for her security provided her a PSO (personal security officer). Her PSO Pabitra Mohan Bachha is also getting surprised at her mode of campaigning. He has no other options than to walk down kilometers of roads everyday with the MlA aspirant. The result is also crystal clear. But Jayashree has not left hope.No-cash woman launches frugal campaign in S’pur