India, Jan. 8 -- For many candidates, the real win lies in taking the plunge. From a young law student, to doctors, a medical researcher and a newspaper vendor, the municipal elections have attracted an unusually diverse mix of hopefuls.

Not all of them are greenhorns. Some are contesting for the second time or have politics in their genes but what's common is their clear sense of purpose.

The upcoming polls have 1,700 candidates contesting from 227 wards across Mumbai. HT spoke to five who stood out from the crowd.

News, opinions and politics

Pooja Pawar

Ward no 194 (Parts of Prabhadevi, Worli)

Novelty Factor: Newspaper stall vendor

Political Party: NCP

Pooja Pawar, 34, owes her political ambition to a small newspaper stall in fr...