Priyanka Jarkiholi: Youngest Tribal Woman Wins Unreserved Seat

Priyanka Jarkiholi, daughter of Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi, has won in Chikkodi, beating BJP’s Annasaheb Jolle. This win makes Priyanka the youngest tribal woman to enter Parliament from Karnataka’s open seat since independence. Chikkodi was the only seat not won by BJP in Mumbai Karnataka.

Her victory is special because she’s the first tribal woman to win an open seat in Karnataka and the second leader from a reserved community to win a general seat, after Kotturu Hariharappa Ranganath. At just 27 years old, Priyanka is one of the youngest MPs ever. The minimum age for MPs is 25.

Chikkodi has seen surprising wins before. In 1996, Ratnamala Pol Savanur, a college professor, beat a union minister. Later, Ramesh Jigajinagi won from three different parties.

In an interview, Priyanka stressed the need for more women in politics to improve governance. She acknowledged people’s doubts about women from political families but believes women can make a difference if given the chance.

Priyanka knows she’s privileged, being the only girl in her family and having a good education. She’s not afraid to use her background to help others.

On June 4, Priyanka thanked everyone who helped her win, including party workers and voters. She said her father’s reputation and Congress’s welfare schemes played a big role in her victory.

Re-reported from the article originally published in THEHINDU.