At just 21, Diya Binu is already making headlines. On Friday, she will complete six months as chairperson of the Pala municipality, a milestone that few in local governance can match at such a young age.

Elected alongside her father, Binu Pulikkakandam, and uncle, Biju Pulikkakandam, in one of the most fiercely contested municipal elections Pala has witnessed, Ms. Binu stepped into office amid high expectations and a politically charged atmosphere. The months that followed have been anything but quiet, with the young chairperson finding herself at the centre of a series of turbulent developments.

But she appears determined not to be weighed down by the challenges. “It has been an eventful six months and after the initial hustle, things have started to settle in finally,” she says. When it comes to governance, however, Ms. Binu points out that she has effectively had only four months to work. Nearly two months were lost to the Model Code of Conduct that came into force during the Assembly elections.

Toughest challenge

Among the many responsibilities that came her way, preparing and presenting the municipal Budget stands out as the toughest challenge she has faced so far. “This required an enormous exercise comprising data collection and interaction with stakeholders concerned, which also made me realise how demanding it is to function as an administrator.”

The experience, she says, offered her a first-hand lesson in the complexities of governance. At the same time, she remains grateful for the wholehearted support extended from various quarters, particularly the United Democratic Front, in helping her discharge her responsibilities.

Crash course

The past six months have also given her a crash course in coalition politics and grassroots public service. “Overseeing a coalition that comprises the Congress, the Kerala Congress and independents has been a tumultuous journey. At the same time, the presence of my father, who has been a councillor for a long period, has been very comforting. His experience in different aspects of municipal administration has come in handy for me on several occasions,” she says.

With tensions continuing to simmer within the ruling coalition and disputes often spilling into police complaints and counter complaints, she chooses her words carefully. “For the time being, the matter is under the consideration of the UDF leadership and it will not be appropriate from my side to make any remarks on this. In fact, I am just unmindful of what is happening on that front and am focused on delivering my duties,” she says, while admitting that navigating politics can at times be strenuous.

A Gen Z representative herself, Ms.Binu is particularly keen on initiatives aimed at empowering young people. Having already organised a series of awareness and orientation programmes for youth, she now has her sights set on projects that can enhance employability and create greater opportunities for the next generation.

Focus on development

As for the municipality, her focus remains firmly on development. Strengthening existing public infrastructure while preparing the groundwork for future projects tops her agenda. “Plans are afoot to renovate the municipal stadium and reinvigorate the functioning of the municipal park by roping in a private operator. The municipality is also in touch with the State government with regard to the restoration of the Green Tourism Complex by also constructing a hanging bridge, besides the existing bridge on the other side, designed in the style of the London Bridge.”

Six months into office, her journey as the country’s youngest civic body chairperson has already been marked by challenges, learning experiences and political tests. For now, she appears content to keep her focus on governance while steadily growing into a role that demands far more than her age might suggest.