Amid political turmoil, Diya Binu focuses on governance

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

Elected alongside her father Binu Pulikkakandam and uncle Biju Pulikkakandam in one of the sharpest municipal elections Pala has witnessed, Ms. Binu assumed office amid high expectations and a politically charged atmosphere. The months that followed were anything but calm, with the young chairwoman at the center of a series of turbulent events.

But she seems determined not to let the challenges weigh her down. “It’s been an eventful six months, and after the initial rush, things are finally settling down,” he says. When it comes to governance, Ms. Binu points out that she basically only had four months to do the job. The model code of conduct, which came into effect during the assembly elections, has lost almost two months.

The hardest challenge

Among the many duties she has faced, the preparation and presentation of the municipal budget is the most difficult challenge she has faced so far. “This required an enormous exercise involving data collection and interaction with affected stakeholders, which also made me realize how challenging 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 sincere support from various parties, especially the United Democratic Front, which helps her fulfill her duties.

Crash course

The past six months have also given her a crash course in coalition politics and basic public service. “Supervising a coalition comprising the Congress, Kerala Congress and independents has been a bumpy ride. At the same time, the presence of my father, who is a long-serving councillor, has been very reassuring. His experience in various aspects of city administration has come in handy on several occasions,” he says.

With tensions still simmering within the ruling coalition and disputes often spilling over into police complaints and counter-complaints, he chooses his words carefully. “For now, this matter is under the consideration of the UDF leadership and it will not be appropriate for me to comment on it. In reality, I am just not aware of what is happening on this front and I am concentrating on fulfilling my duties,” he says, admitting that navigating politics can sometimes be strenuous.

A representative of Gen Z herself, Ms. Binu is particularly interested in youth empowerment initiatives. Having already organized a number of awareness and orientation programs for the youth, she is now focusing on projects that can increase employability and create greater opportunities for the next generation.

Focus on development

As for the municipality, its focus remains firmly on development. Its priority is to strengthen the existing public infrastructure and at the same time prepare documents for future projects. “Plans are being prepared to renovate the city stadium and revive the functioning of the city park by attracting a private operator. The municipality is also in contact with the state administration regarding the restoration of the Green Tourist Complex by building a suspension bridge, designed in the style of London Bridge, in addition to the existing bridge on the other side.”

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

Published – 24 Jun 2026 23:40 IST