Will develop local body as space of happiness: Ernakulam district panchayat president

K.G. Radhakrishnan, the newly elected president of the Ernakulam district panchayat, is clear about his priority, though it may sound a bit unusual. He wants to develop the local body as a space of happiness.

“Happiness of the people is essential to create a progressive society,” the Congress leader, who represents the Pampakuda division of the district panchayat, shared his vision, speaking to The Hindu soon after taking oath on Saturday (December 27, 2025).

Mr. Radhakrishnan, 47, said the newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) council’s priority would be to develop the district panchayat in line with the aspirations of the population spread over the metropolitan as well as agrarian areas of the district.

“A clear plan for the development of the district panchayat will evolve only after detailed discussions with all stakeholders. However, it is in our priority to increase employment opportunities in tune with the changing work culture. The scope and relevance of gig work culture will be explored,” he said.

On his plans for the agriculture sector, he highlighted the scope of helping farmers increase their revenues by hand-holding them to make and market more valued-added products.

A representative of the marginalised communities, Mr. Radhakrishnan also stressed the welfare of the people in the lower strata of society. “The interventions to improve the social status of the marginalised communities are a must. Stress will be given to improve facilities for education and healthcare. Extra care will be given to ensure welfare measures for women, children, elderly people, and the differently abled,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said. He highlighted the need to address the issues faced by dialysis patients and those in need of palliative care.

Explaining his concept of a ‘space for happiness’, he noted that interventions in mental healthcare were a necessity. He said projects would be formulated in the field in continuation of the initiatives of the previous UDF administration.

On the looming threat posed by growing drug menace in the district, Mr. Radhakrishnan said a two-pronged strategy would have to be adopted to address the crisis. “Law enforcement and rehabilitation have to go hand in hand. It is important how society stands together to address the issue. We will formulate initiatives which encourage the youth to fight drug menace,” he said.

On the political relevance of the UDF’s sweeping win in the district panchayat where it won 25 out of 28 seats, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the massive mandate meant a huge responsibility. “It is an indicator that the people are awaiting the UDF to form the government in the State,” he said.

Mr. Radhakrishnan was elected district panchayat president unopposed as the Left Democratic Front did not have a candidate from the scheduled castes for whom the post has been reserved this term. A native of Kalloorkad near Muvattupuzha, Mr. Radhakrishnan entered politics through the Kerala Students Union. He has served as the district president and State general secretary of the Bharatiya Dalit Congress. He was the president of Muvattupuzha block panchayat in the previous term.

Sinta Jacob, the Congress leader representing the Alangad division, was elected the vice-president of the district panchayat. She polled 25 votes against CPI(M)’s Mary Vincent from Kadamakudy division.