Uttar Pradesh: It was in 2005, when Durgesh Nandini left her in-laws’ house only vowed to enter after being elected as ‘gram pradhan’. And finally after 10 long years Nandini won the election by 150 votes from Narkhi Dhonkal seat in Firozabad district and went to her in-laws’ house, where she was welcomed with open arms.

The story of the enthusiast woman has always been a roller-coaster ride and it all began when she used to study with Devendra in Class 11 at RRM Inter College in Bachgaon of Firozabad district. Devendra was looking to become pradhan of his village Narkhi Dhonkli but in 2005, the seat was reserved for women candidates.

Consequently, Devendra proposed to Durgesh and promised to get her elected as pradhan. Initially, her family was not prepared to accept the marriage proposal, but later agreed to it. The couple got married on the day prior to the filing of nominations and went for the nominations next day in 2005.

However, luck betrayed them as Durgesh was found to be short of the minimum age required for contesting pradhan election. Durgesh returned to her parents’ house and continued with studies to complete her post graduation. Though she occasionally went to her in-laws’ village, but she discontinued from going to their house just for the sake of her promise.

Durgesh settled with her husband in Bachgaon and lived in a rented house but did not go to her in-laws’ place. She kept preparing for the next pradhan election but once again she had to lose to faith as seat was reserved for backward caste. The in-laws however kept calling Durgesh to come home, but she continued with her promise not to enter their house till she was elected pradhan.

Durgesh finally got the opportunity in 2015, as the seat of Narkhi Dhonkal was reserved for general category women and after winning the seat Durgesh did her ‘grah pravesh’ along with her husband and two kids.