Inspiring! Autorickshaw Driver's Daughter To Become Youngest Councillor In Chennai

Chennai will get its youngest councillor in the city corporation soon. A Priyadharshini, who is 21 years old has won from ward 98 in Central Chennai by a margin of 8,695 votes. She fought the elections with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party's backing. The candidate from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam who stood against her only managed to get only 3,408 votes.

A resident of Villivakkam, Priyadharshini is the daughter of an autorickshaw driver there. She has promised to provide good governance to the ward from which she has been elected by the people. She also said that the best civic amenities will be provided for the ward.

The Time Of India reported Priyadharshini saying, "My focus would be in ensuring the resident's issues are resolved swiftly. Since I have faced all these difficulties." She is also a part of the Democratic Youth Federation of India and said that not much was spent monetary wise in the elections.

Suggested Reading: Avani Lekhara Inspiration: Why Young Women Shouldn’t Give Up on Their Dreams

Youngest Councillor In Chennai

Talking to news media, Priyadharshini said, "My father is an auto driver and has been in the party for over 20 years. It's because of him that I had this opportunity." She is pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Arts in Sociology.

The Central District Secretary of the CPM G Selva said that her becoming the youngest councillor in Central Chennai will be the face of change as Priyadarshini will be setting an example of how politicians should be.

The City Corporation elections of 2022 in Tamil Nadu was full of surprises as it saw younger victors and hope to change the age dynamic in politics. Another young person to win was 22-year-old D Nilavarasi who won in ward 136 against the wife of the former councillor Gunasekaran.

Nilavarasi, an MBA aspirant said, "I was totally blank," while adding, "I have seen my father doing social service for more than 30 years by running a trust and sponsoring students for sporting events, I am sure I will be able to take it forward and do more. My focus will be hygiene and sanitation.

Feature Image Credit: The New Indian Express