In yet another instance of democracy changing the lives of people overnight, in India, Kerala woman, Anandavalli, aged 46, who worked as a part-time sweeper at Panchayat office has now become the President. For almost a decade, the Dalit woman had swept floors and dusted chairs, but it was this Wednesday, that she took her new role. It was a sight which normally one doesn’t get to witness. She was hired as cleaning staff, her salary was Rs.2000 per month. In 2017, it was increased to Rs.6000 and she was assigned work of the office attendant. On Wednesday, she won the local body election from Thalavoor division by 654 votes.
Anandvalli is reportedly known as “Valli Chechi” (Valli sister) among the people of her community. It is also reported that the Communist Party of India (CPM) party gave an election ticket to her because of her acceptance among the people. Anandvalli’s husband apart from being a painter is also an active member of CPM.
“I was a bit nervous. But my party leaders and well wishers prodded me to take up the new responsibility. I will do my best to make by block panchayat a role model,” Anandvalli said. She won the recent local body election from Thalavoor division by 654 votes. “My responsibility is heavy now. I will work hard to make life better for all people in my block,” she said. But her success as a woman is not the only exception for the Marxists in the recent local body elections. A 21-year-old student Arya Rajendran was made the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. And four other young women were also given new responsibilities.
Twenty two-year-old law student Saruthi, who loves to ride motorcycles, has become the president of Olavanna panchayat in Kozhikode district. Reshma Mariam Joy, 21 was elected president of Aruvapualm panchayat in Pathanamthitta, Radhika Mahadeven (23) became the president of Malampuzha local body in Palakkad and Anas Stephi, president of Pozhuthana panchayat in Wayanad district.
