Thiruvananthapuram / Pala (Kottayam):
Kerala’s historic town of Pala has etched its name in India’s local governance history with the election of 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikkandam as the Chairperson of the Pala Municipality. At just 21 years and 335 days, Diya has become one of the youngest leaders to head an urban local body in the country, earning recognition as India’s first Gen Z municipal chairperson.
Her elevation comes after days of intense political negotiations in a fractured municipal council, symbolising a decisive generational shift in local leadership. Diya’s achievement is being widely seen not only as a personal milestone but also as a powerful statement on youth participation, political resilience, and continuity in grassroots democracy.
A Family Deeply Rooted in Local Politics
Diya is the daughter of former municipal chairperson Binu Pulikkandam and the niece of councillor Biju Pulikkandam. All three members of the Pulikkandam family won in the recent municipal elections as independent candidates, a rare feat that underlines their strong grassroots support in Pala.
Her ascent is also viewed by supporters as a form of political comeback. In 2023, Binu Pulikkandam was removed from the chairperson’s post without a formal process by Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K. Mani, triggering widespread resentment among local supporters. Two years later, the chairperson’s office has returned to the family—this time through the next generation.
From Criticism to Confidence
Initially, the decision to field three independent candidates from the same family was met with ridicule and skepticism. However, the election results decisively turned the narrative in their favor.
A graduate in Economics from Madras Christian College, Diya entered politics at her father’s urging while she was preparing for an MBA. Undeterred by her age or inexperience, she accepted the challenge with quiet confidence.
Contesting from Ward 15, Diya won by a margin of 131 votes, impressing voters with her clarity of thought and calm demeanor. With no single political party securing a clear majority in the municipality, post-election negotiations became inevitable. Both the LDF and UDF held talks with the Pulikkandam group, which ultimately chose to support the UDF, on the condition that Diya would be appointed chairperson.
“My Responsibility Has Grown”
Speaking after taking oath, Diya said her initial aim was to develop her ward, but her responsibilities have now expanded.
“After becoming chairperson, my accountability is towards the entire municipality. I will seek cooperation from all members, irrespective of political differences, for projects that serve public interest,” she said.
She added that the positive response from the public during her campaign strengthened her confidence and reaffirmed her decision to step into politics.
A New Chapter in Local Governance
Diya’s journey reflects the evolving nature of Indian politics at the grassroots level, where age is no longer a barrier to leadership. Her election signals a growing acceptance of young voices in governance and sets a precedent for greater participation of Gen Z in public life.
As Pala looks ahead under its youngest-ever municipal chairperson, Diya Binu’s rise stands as a compelling story of youth, perseverance, and the changing face of Indian democracy.
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