From online movie critic to becoming one of the nation’s youngest panchayat presidents, the life of 22-year-old Johnys P Stephen has suddenly begun to resemble a movie script. This final-semester English student from Bengaluru’s Christ Deemed-to-be University will now preside over Kerala’s Uzhavoor panchayat on December 30 after winning as an independent candidate in a panchayat that witnessed a hanging house.
Stephen won by a margin of 194 votes in the recent elections, defeating the nominees of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), United Democratic Front (UDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in District 4 (Areekkara) supported by ‘One India One Pension’ (OIOP), an active group in the panchayat. With the UDF and LDF securing five seats each, Stephen’s two-seat OIOP group emerged as the kingmaker in the 13-district panchayat.
OIOP aims to work towards guaranteeing a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 for all people over the age of 60, whatever their field of work. “This movement has been gaining popularity among everyone in the area and our support base has also grown over the years,” Stephen tells indianexpress.com.
In confirming the post-election regional alliance in Uzhavoor, Kaduthuruthy MLA and the former Minister of the Department of Public Works, Mons Joseph, explain that the UDF did not oppose the proposal to form the ‘Alliance for the Development of Uzhavoor’ with OIOP . “We have decided to support the young ONOP councilor, Johnys P Stephen, as president of the panchayat in Uzhavoor, to discover that such an association would promote public welfare in the area. Anti-incumbent sentiment among voters against the LDF was also considered when we decided to take this step, ”he adds.
Stephen won by a margin of 194 votes in the recent election, defeating LDF, UDF and NDA nominees in District 4 (Areekkara). (Photo credits: by special arrangement)
Hailing from former President KR Narayanan’s hometown, Stephen says he was one of the main motivational figures he grew up reading about. Narayanan Sir was able to rise to the zenith from humble beginnings by overcoming various challenges. This has helped me believe that nothing is impossible if the right moves are made at the right time, ”Stephen told The Indian Express.
Born to teachers Stephen PU and Laiby Stephen, Stephen is also the first in his family to get into electoral politics. His passion for the arts, politics, and social services helped him see life from different perspectives from his formative years, says Stephen. “I think the arts and politics go hand in hand as they are both well connected with the commoner. My conviction that politics should revolve around doing good to those represented together with my interest in public speaking and social service has motivated me to dream higher ”, he adds.
A fervent supporter of contemporary politics, Stephen says he was tired of the fact that young people didn’t get much of a chance in electoral politics from the mainstream parties without any influence. “This prompted my decision to compete as an independent candidate, as I valued free thinking and self-learning ability as my core strengths as an individual and as a leader,” he says.
“Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, APJ Abdul Kalam … the list of leaders who have inspired me is endless, but being accessible and transparent to people is the common thread that everyone represents,” says the aspiring public official, who has now given Realize that politics is also a good way to serve the people.
“Being a representative of the people provides more opportunities to do more good deeds firsthand. However, I have not given up on my IAS dreams and I am committed to making the next five years count well for my panchayat and therefore for me, “he says, adding that his permanence in the panchayat would be ideal to” develop a responsible personality. and learn from the various relationships I have with people from different walks of life. “
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