Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, who made news last year after being appointed as one of the youngest leaders to hold the position in the state, is again being lauded on social media. After a BJP councillor wrote a post mocking the Mayor for her age, the video of her response has gone viral on social media. In the post, the councillor had called her ‘an LKG child from AKG Centre’. The AKG Centre is the CPI(M) headquarters in the state. On June 17 (Thursday), during the council meeting held at the Corporation, the 22-year-old Mayor hit back at BJP councillor Karamana Ajith after he reportedly continued to make similar jibes.
Arya Rajendran was 21 years old when she won as the CPI(M) candidate in the local body polls to Thiruvananthapuram Corporation that was held in November-December 2020. In the Facebook post written on June 11, the BJP councillor had written, “Things worth lakhs, which are bought using the tax money of people, are not meant to be destroyed by LKG children of AKG centre, sitting and playing in the Mayor’s chair.” Calling her a ‘mayor child’, councillor Karamana Ajith had further added, “I humbly remind that the Corporation is not a children’s park and that it is a place where people’s money should be responsibly managed.”
Hitting back at the councillor, Mayor Arya said, “Let me tell you something. Since the past six months, there have been many criticisms that you raised..Not only you, anyone in this council can say anything here that is justifiable. Many times all of you have criticised me personally, and otherwise, on my age, maturity,” she said, stating that she has not hit back at anyone for that. “But now, I am forced to tell you this. Today also, some members here passed such remarks. Let me tell you clearly, if I have become a Mayor at this age, I know exactly how to work accordingly and I can tell you with pride that I grew up through such a system,” said Arya Rajendran at the council meeting on June 17.
Despite the constant heckling, Arya did not back down and continued to put forth her points.
She further added, “If I show you the comments of your followers, including those of the younger generation, the slandering comments they post on Facebook and WhatsApp, you will remember that this Mayor is also like ‘sisters and mothers at home’,” Mayor Arya Rajendran said. In the video of the incident, Opposition members can be heard shouting. However, she continued to speak up, asking them strongly to let her complete what she was saying.
She added that whoever, even if people from her party, pass slanderous comments against a woman, it is bad. “Whoever insults a woman, it is bad. Even if that is by calling them an LKG child or by naming them as was seen here, you should understand first that you will only get back what you give,” the Mayor said, adding that no one should personally insult anyone inside the council.
Watch: What Mayor Arya Rajendran said
Trivandrum Mayor Arya Rajendran roasting BJP councillors who mocked and insulted her mentioning her age. Arya Rajendran is the youngest Mayor in India. She is from CPIM. @SAryaRajendran pic.twitter.com/FXbZdFbiPv
— The Saudade Guy (@thesaudadeguy) June 17, 2021
The video of her response is now being shared widely on social media with many lauding her for voicing out strongly against the jibe.
How to tear down #Patriarchy 101. #aryarajendran is the hero we need at every table. Well done, #Trivandrum https://t.co/FoIeh4hszq
— TheBrook (@Southern_Brook) June 18, 2021
Mayor Arya rajendran is vehemently reacting to some councilors' derogatory comments about her age and maturity. At last she says ' If i could become a Mayor at this age, i know how to act accordingly, cz i will proudly say i grew up in a system for that '
— Master VJN (@TweetsofVJN) June 17, 2021
Trivandrum Mayor Arya Rajendran roasting BJP councillors who mocked and insulted her mentioning her age. Arya Rajendran is the youngest Mayor in India. She is from CPIM.
— ஏம்பலம் மணி (@Pymanidmk) June 18, 2021
@SAryaRajendran destroyed the Sanghis. Great
pic.twitter.com/ckIkXOdW8T
MORE POWER TO HER ❤️...
— Alka Lamba (@LambaAlka) June 18, 2021
BRAVO GIRL . KEEP IT UP.. GOOD LUCK TO HER. #womenempowerment #AryaRajendran #Mayor https://t.co/xfip6kMjdC
Superb. Well done comrade Arya Rajendran.Nice to hear such strong voice at this age. Develop yourself well. Get groomed. Bright chance to get into the top level Kerala politics. ❤❤❤❤ https://t.co/7uz9J1jUco
— கலைஞரின் உடன்பிறப்பு❤❤ (@EVR_ANNAMKMKS) June 18, 2021
How to tear down #Patriarchy 101. #aryarajendran is the hero we need at every table. Well done, #Trivandrum https://t.co/FoIeh4hszq
— TheBrook (@Southern_Brook) June 18, 2021