Ramya Haridas becomes Kerala’s Second Dalit Female MP

“I will sing my way way into your hearts,” said Ramya Haridas during her campaign. Her words have come true now.

Ramya Haridas, United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate from the Alathur constituency.

(Photo Courtsey: Facebook/Ramya Haridas) 

Conquering the hearts of the people from Alathur, Ramya Haridas has emerged victorious in the Lok Sabha Election 2019. Representing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) from the Alathur constituency, Ramya secured 5,33,815 votes and won by a margin of almost 1.6k votes.

What makes this victory even more glorious is that she was facing a sitting CPI(M) MP in a Left bastion. Winning against, P K Biju, who was LDF’s surest bet in the state, Ramya, an apparent novice in politics, is now is the second Dalit woman to be elected from the state. She also is the only female MP from the state, this election.

In Detail

The 32-year-old was the Block Panchayat President of Kunnamangalam in Kozhikode district, when her candidature was announced. She resigned from the post a week after the election on 23 April, expressing her confidence in winning the polls.

In 2011, Ramya was shortlisted in a talent hunt program that was conducted by Rahul Gandhi, and ever since then has received special attention and mentorship from the party as well as Gandhi himself. She has often been quoted as a candidate who was handpicked by Rahul Gandhi.

Ramya played an active role in the Adivasi struggles carried out under the banner of the Ekta Parishad and represented the country at a global youth meet held in Japan in 2012.

She was also the National coordinator of the Youth Congress and won the Nehru Yuva Kendra award for the best public worker in 2007.

What Worked in Her Favor

Coming from a very humble background, Ramaya made a connect with the public. She managed to understand the grassroots problems of the public and swayed her voters with her melodious voice, a trademark quality of hers.

She was mocked by the communist opponents for her habit of breaking into songs while on rallies, but clearly struck a chord with the public.

“I come from a very humble background. So I know what the needs and aspirations of the people are and I will be with the people of Alathur if I win.”

Ramya Haridas

Ramya approached the voters of Alathur like a girl next-door. She sang to the mood of the crowd whenever they asked her to. People of Alathur saw in her a vivacious spirit that they never found in Mr Biju, who had faced criticism for his lack of presence in the constituency.

The Backdrop

Ramya hails from a very humble family in Kozhikode district, with her father being a daily wage labourer and her mother a tailor. She also happens to be one of the Lok Sabha candidates in the country with the least assets – Rs 22,816. Ramya is a graduate in music and used to steal the show with her voice during school art festivals.

“I thank Alathur’s voters. They supported me through the thick and thin. They stood behind me during all the controversies. I will be standing along with them hereafter.”

Ramya Haridas 

And right after saying that to the reporters, Ramya broke into a song to celebrate her win.

(With inputs from The News Minute, Live Mint and The Hindu)