Hubballi: Despite assuming office as mayor, Durgamma Bijwad has retained her simple lifestyle, choosing to eat at roadside eateries and walk to the market instead of using an official vehicle.On Thursday, after formally welcoming Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot at the airport, Bijwad stopped at a roadside hotel in Manjunath Nagar on Gokul Road for an idli breakfast. Later, she was seen having egg rice at another roadside eatery and visiting the market on foot.Durgamma, who represents Ward No. 69, was elected corporator as an independent candidate before joining the BJP. She previously served as deputy mayor and was recently elected mayor. Her mother continues to work as a domestic help in the city.Speaking to TOI, Bijwad said she came from a humble background and worked in a factory and as a domestic worker before her marriage. She said becoming corporator and mayor has not changed the way she lives.“I have no hesitation in eating at roadside hotels. Power is temporary, and I want to stay grounded. I may be mayor for a year, but life goes on after that. I still walk to the market, buy Rs 200 footwear from roadside vendors and have breakfast at small eateries,” she said.Bijwad said she often visits a roadside hotel near her office for egg rice whenever she feels hungry. “Many people tell me to wear expensive saris and dine at big restaurants because I am the mayor. But I prefer simple saris and simple food,” she added.She said her 65-year-old mother, Ratna Jadi, continues to work as a domestic help in Veerapur Oni and nearby areas. “I never asked her to stop working after I became corporator or mayor. We must live in reality. Once power goes, life returns to normal,” she said.The mayor said she has begun visiting wards to address civic issues on the spot, directing officials to share photographs after completing the work. She has also toured several localities in Hubballi and Dharwad to resolve civic grievances.Her husband, Shashikant Bijwad, said citizens appreciate her down-to-earth lifestyle. Social worker Chintan Hattikal said that while many elected representatives change after assuming office, Durgamma was setting an example by remaining connected to her roots.
