From Sanitation Worker to Elected Corporator: A 28-Year Journey Comes Full Circle
In a remarkable turn of events that demonstrates the power of grassroots democracy, Ashok Hiwrale has transitioned from being a sanitation worker to an elected corporator in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. After dedicating 28 years of his life to serving the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation as a sanitation employee, Hiwrale returned to the same institution on Wednesday—not to perform his former duties, but to assume his new role as an elected representative.
Voluntary Retirement Leads to Political Aspirations
Following a brief hiatus after opting for voluntary retirement, the 52-year-old decided to enter the political arena. Contesting on an All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) ticket, Hiwrale successfully made the transition from municipal employee to legislative member. In a deeply symbolic moment that marked his new position, he was felicitated by municipal administrator G. Sreekanth at the very headquarters where he had once worked for nearly three decades.
"Life has come full circle for me on a very pleasant note. I cannot ask for more," Hiwrale said, reflecting on his extraordinary journey from sanitation work to elected office.
Union Leadership Experience Fuels Political Ambition
Hiwrale's move into politics was not sudden but rather the culmination of years of experience as a labour advocate within the municipal system. "I was heading the union of sanitation workers within the municipal corporation," he explained. "After my retirement, I felt I had leadership skills to serve on a larger platform, so I decided to contest the municipal elections."
His entry into the electoral race wasn't immediate. Hiwrale first approached the AIMIM leadership with a request for a ticket and was instructed to wait for the party's internal survey and assessment process. "Later, I got a call saying the party had decided to field me. Getting the ticket felt like half the victory already," he recalled.
Decisive Victory in Ward 1
Representing Ward 1—which encompasses Phule Nagar, Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ekta Nagar, Harsul, Sayeda Colony, and Ambar Hill—Hiwrale secured a decisive win. He defeated his Shiv Sena rival by a substantial margin of 995 votes, demonstrating significant public support for his candidacy.
"Being elected as a corporator is a golden opportunity," Hiwrale stated. "I intend to serve the people of my ward with the same dedication and honesty I brought to my previous job."
AIMIM Hails Victory for the Common Man
AIMIM state president and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel lauded the win as a significant victory for the "common man." He emphasized that while major political parties often field the "sons and daughters" of established politicians, AIMIM chose to empower a grassroots worker with genuine experience of municipal operations.
"Hiwrale intimately understands the issues facing Class IV employees," Jaleel noted. "He will now be their voice within the corporation, bringing firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by municipal workers to the decision-making table."
This election result represents more than just a personal achievement for Hiwrale—it symbolizes the potential for experienced municipal employees to transition into leadership roles where they can advocate more effectively for their colleagues and constituents. His journey from sanitation worker to elected corporator serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and grassroots experience can translate into political representation.
