Former sanitation worker to present Thazhekode panchayat budget as vice president

Malappuram: From sweeping floors at the panchayat office to presenting its annual budget, Divya Muthodath's journey has come full circle. Once a sanitation worker at the Thazhekode Panchayat, Divya is now set to place the local body's budget for the coming year after being elected vice president.

Contesting from the 13th ward as a Congress candidate, Divya secured a decisive victory with a majority of 357 votes, an outcome that also paved the way for her elevation to the post of vice president of the panchayat.

Divya worked as a sanitation worker at the panchayat office for about three years between 2019 and 2021. During that period, several temporary employees, including her, were removed from service. While some were later reinstated following court interventions, Divya was unable to pursue legal action owing to financial constraints.

After losing her job, she took up work at a Kudumbashree-run hotel and later found employment at a private firm in Pathaikkara Valavu. She continued working there until she filed her nomination papers for the local body elections.

Reflecting on her unexpected political rise, Divya said she had never imagined becoming a panchayat member, let alone vice president. She expressed deep gratitude to the Congress party and the UDF for placing their trust in her and giving her the opportunity to contest. She has pledged to prioritise the concerns of ordinary people and ensure that the voices of the marginalised are heard in decision-making.

The 24-member administrative committee of the Thazhekode Panchayat consists of 16 members from the UDF and eight from the LDF. The IUML holds 15 seats, while Divya is the lone Congress representative in the council.

Divya is married to Unnikrishnan, and the couple has three children.