When the New Year rang in last time, India's youngest municipal chief, Diya Binu Pulickakandam, was nervous about her fifth-semester Economics results and was busy preparing for MBA entrance exams. Barely a week ago, Diya, 21, looking elegant in a beige, bordered kurta, with hair parted sideways, took oath as the chairman of Pala municipality in Kerala — a 26-division civic body. These days, she eases into her role, zipping around in her official car and swamped by meetings. 

Far away in Malappuram, Shaheena Mol, a 23-year-old Perinthalmanna native, is slowly coming to terms with her newly conferred status of being the state's youngest panchayat president. An English Literature student and mother of a 4-year-old son, Shaheena won as an IUML candidate from the Malayangad ward in the Elamkulam panchayat. On New Year's Eve, Shaheena was at an NSS camp in a school at midnight- cutting cake with the students. For someone not used to New Year festivities, the experience is symbolic of how quickly her life has changed.

Their politics may be different, but they share a common inspiration. A native of Murikkumpuzha in Pala, Diya won from the Palampurayidom division as an independent candidate, a seat earlier held by her father, advocate Binu Pulickakandam. Shaheena, born into a politically inclined family, was prodded to join politics by her father, Shoukath Ali. 

Both of them admit the transition has been swift and a bit dramatic. “The change from being a Gen Z student to a people’s representative feels huge. Last year, my biggest concern was the semester exam results. This time, I faced a different kind of exam — the election. The outcome was uncertain and completely beyond my control,” says Diya.

The new role, she says, has been demanding. “This role is about people and their lives. As chairperson, I have to be available full-time and remain fully committed.” She takes confidence from the legacy - being the daughter of former municipal chairperson Binu Pulickakandam, a five-time councillor, and the niece of councillor Biju Pulickakandam — both well-known figures in Pala’s local political landscape.

In the recent local body elections, all three members of the Pulickakandam family contested as independents and emerged victorious.
For them, the outcome carried deep political significance. In 2023, Binu was removed from the chairperson’s post by Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani, a move that sparked resentment among supporters. Two years later, the post returned to the family through the next generation, completing a quiet yet decisive political comeback.

“Everyone around me — my father, my uncle and fellow councillors — has far more experience than I have,” Diya says. “I trust them to guide me and correct me whenever necessary.”
The election was memorable for another reason as well. It was the first time Diya cast her vote. She voted from her home ward of Murikkumpuzha, where her uncle Biju also won.

For Shaheena, it hasn't been easy, though. She was hesitant initially but is now game for new experiences. "We don’t usually celebrate Christmas or New Year, so being invited to cut a cake at a school in Kunnakkavu was something entirely new for me,” she says.

Shaheena believes that politics is an essential part of daily life. “There is a saying that goes "Adukalayilum Rasthriyam Parayanam". Politics is an inevitable part of life. It’s up to the individual to decide which party to support, but having an opinion and discussing politics is crucial,” she says.

Basking in their fresh assignments, Diya and Shaheena are wary of the age factor. “Many people have questioned whether someone as young as me can handle this responsibility. I want to prove them wrong and aspire to lead my people well,” Shaheena says, adding that she has also received overwhelming support from the community. Recalling a moment that stood out, she said an elderly resident from Palathol called her after she was sworn in as panchayat president to congratulate her. “It was truly heartwarming. Moments like these are what I cherish,” her words swell with pride.

In addition to her political duties, Shaheena pursues her post-graduation in English Literature and works as an English teacher at a private institution in Kunnakkavu. 

Diya speaks like one better groomed for the role. “My father became a councillor when I was just one year old. I’ve watched him work in politics all my life,” she says. She regularly accompanied him to ward meetings and interacted with residents, councillors and officials. “Most of them are people I grew up calling uncles and aunties.”

After completing her BA in Economics from Madras Christian College, Chennai, Diya moved to Kochi for MBA entrance coaching, aspiring to secure admission to a top IIM. Five months into her preparation, her father asked whether she was willing to contest the local body elections.
“He told me to think carefully and take a decision I wouldn’t regret later,” she recalls. After much deliberation, Diya decided to pause her academic plans and enter the electoral fray.

Her campaign, marked by clarity, restraint and quiet confidence, resonated with voters in Ward 15, where she won by a margin of 131 votes. With no political front securing a clear majority in the Pala municipality, post-election negotiations became inevitable.

During these talks, the Pulickakandam family made their stand clear: their support would depend on Diya being elected chairperson. The Congress-led United Democratic Front accepted the condition, enabling it to form the council.
For Kerala Congress (M), now aligned with the Left, the defeat was particularly symbolic. The party was excluded from power in the Pala municipality for the first time, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its founder, K M Mani’s first ministerial swearing-in.

As per the agreement, Diya will serve as chairperson for the first two years. She remains firm about her academic aspirations. “I plan to pursue an MBA — either offline or through distance mode — after this term. Right now, the responsibility is too large to balance with full-time studies.”

Unlike many in her age group, Diya says she never aspired to move abroad. “I want to stay here. People leave in search of better facilities and lifestyles. I want to help create those opportunities here,” she says.
Her victory surprised her college friends and teachers alike. “In college, I was just another student. After the results, my friends and teachers reached out, proud and excited.”

At home, her mother Kshema and younger sister Sreya stood firmly by her side throughout the campaign. “There was anxiety initially,” Diya says. “But once the results came, the joy was immense — especially since all three of us won.”