P Viswanathan makes history as Kalpetta’s first Paniya chairman

In a powerful moment that symbolised both personal humility and social change, newly sworn-in Kalpetta Municipal Chairman P Viswanathan visited his parents’ modest tin-and-tarpaulin-roofed hut in an unnathi (tribal colony) to seek their blessings, shortly after assuming office. The image of his official vehicle bearing a red name board halting before the makeshift dwelling has since struck a chord across Kerala.

Viswanathan has scripted history by becoming the first municipal chairman from the Paniya tribal community , one of Kerala’s most marginalised Scheduled Tribe groups. The Paniya community is the single largest Scheduled Tribe in the state and is predominantly concentrated in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram districts.

Aged 40, Viswanathan’s journey to the top of local governance is rooted in years of struggle and grassroots engagement. A watchman by profession , he is also known locally as a folk singer and has long been active as a worker of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in Wayanad district. His political rise reflects both perseverance and the slow but significant opening of democratic spaces for historically excluded communities.

In the recently concluded Kerala local body elections, Viswanathan contested and won the general seat of Edaguni ward (Ward No. 28), securing victory with a margin of 424 votes . His win from a general seat was widely seen as a testament to his acceptability beyond identity lines. When the chairmanship of Kalpetta Municipality was reserved for the Scheduled Tribe category, the CPI(M) nominated Viswanathan for the post, marking a landmark moment for tribal representation in urban local governance.

Speaking after assuming office, Viswanathan said tribal communities continue to lag behind the mainstream in education, livelihoods and access to basic services. “I wish to bring a change in this. I hope my new position inspires more people from my community to come forward and participate in public life,” he said.

Senior CPI(M) leader V Haris expressed confidence in Viswanathan’s leadership abilities, noting that his electoral victory from a general ward demonstrated his political credibility. “A representative from the Paniya community deserves this position. It is one of the major tribal communities in the district, yet remains underrepresented,” he said.

A video of Viswanathan touching the feet of his elderly parents and seeking their blessings has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread praise. “My son has reached such heights. I am so happy,” his mother said, embracing him with visible emotion.

For many in Wayanad, Viswanathan’s ascent stands as a rare but hopeful symbol of social mobility, dignity, and the promise of inclusive governance in Kerala’s local democracy.