Pudukad(Thrissur): Two decades after arriving in Kerala as a Sri Lankan bride, 57-year-old Sujiva is finally set to exercise her right to vote in India. It was 21 years ago that Sujiva settled in Ward 7 of the Pudukad panchayat as the wife of Baiju Arodivettil. Officially named Krandgod Kanganage Lalani Sujiva, she met Baiju in Muscat, and the two married in Sri Lanka in 2001. The following year, she moved to Baiju’s home in Chengaloor.

For years, delays in processing her Indian citizenship forced her to renew her visa regularly. Her struggle came to light only during the 2020 local body elections, when Reshmi Sreeshob — then a candidate and a close friend — approached her seeking her vote. It was then that Reshmi realised Sujiva had neither Indian citizenship nor the right to vote.

After being elected as a panchayat member, Reshmi began efforts to help Sujiva obtain Indian citizenship. Once the process was completed, Sujiva’s name was added to the voters’ list.

Reshmi is contesting from a different ward this time, but Sujiva is thrilled to exercise her adult franchise finally. Her husband, Baiju, continues to work abroad, while their son, Amritha Krishna, is studying in Class 10.