Jayalakshmi, first tribal minister in Kerala

Kozhikode, May 21 : Ms P K Jayalakshmi, the lone woman legislator in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) cabinet, who is tipped to become a Minister in the Oommen Chandy Cabinet, will be the first representative of tribals in the state government.

Hailing from Kurichia Community, which fought the erstwhile British colonial masters in 18th century under the stewardship of Kerala Varma Pazhassiraja, she won the Mananthawadi seat (Reserved) in the hilly Wayanad district defeating her nearest CPI (M) rival K C Kunhiraman with a margin of 12,734 votes in the April 13 assembly poll.

The 29-year-old Jayalakshmi also has the distinction of being the youngest in the cabinet.

Elated over the decision to induct her into the ministry, a beaming Jayalakshmi said she was indebted to the people, particularly women and youth for her elevation.

Expresseing her gratitude to the people and the party and media, she said she would do her best for the welfare of all sections.

A staunch supporter of Mr Chandy, she also had the backing of Congress High Command, particularly Sonia Gandhi and General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, who had reportedly insisted on her induction.

Several women and tribal organizations had also rallied behind her to get her a ministerial berth.

--UNI

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