Hope battles cynicism every hour in the grimy corridors of Delhi's red light area where scores of women eke out a tenuous existence as sex workers, alternating between despair at a political system deaf to their demands and yearning to be heard in the great election bazaar of 2019.
As elections pick up pace, the women of G B Road expressed their disillusionment, saying they have little or no hope from any of the parties that knock at their doors every five years.
Trapped in claustrophobic cubbyholes opening into pan-stained corridors, many sex workers, robbed of chances to exercise choice in their lives, also said they know the value of their vote. Some have even travelled back home to places like West Bengal, notwithstanding the cost involved, to exercise their franchise.
Most of the women said they have voter ID cards and it does not matter who they vote for. But the little card is a symbol of empowerment for them.
"We don't have hopes from any political party. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, I voted for one party. In this election, I will vote for another without any expectation from any of them," said Sangeeta, a resident of a kotha' on the first floor.
Sangeeta, who goes by only one name, took to the profession around 17 years ago.
In her late 30s, Sangeeta said she starting voting only nine years ago.
Many women in her family, based in Agra, are also in the flesh trade and she has no regrets.
In her sister Shabnam's view, the vote signifies identity
"Our profession should be legalised. Once women cross their prime, they do not get customers, said Pooja's friend Roma, who is her 50s
Even during the time of Congress government, the rich and the poor survived in harmony but we suffered the after-effects of noteban."
"Be it the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha elections, I ensure I always cast my vote. We are citizens of this country and it's our responsibility to exercise our right. It is not an easy task for me to arrange money for travelling so far but I save money and also sacrifice my daily wage to vote."
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