Thiruvananthapuram, 02 June (H.S.):Congress legislator Shanimol Usman was on Tuesday elected as the Deputy Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly, marking a significant milestone in the state's legislative history. She secured a comfortable victory with 99 votes in the election held in the Assembly.

Shanimol defeated CPI candidate Mohammed Muhsin, who was fielded by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and received 34 votes. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan did not participate in the voting, in keeping with parliamentary convention. Meanwhile, the three BJP legislators in the Assembly abstained from the election.

Her election is notable as it comes 35 years after a woman last held the post of Deputy Speaker in the Kerala Assembly. Shanimol also becomes the fourth woman to serve as Deputy Speaker in the history of the state's legislature.

The voting process witnessed a few absences from both major political fronts. Two United Democratic Front (UDF) legislators — Abid Hussain Thangal and Sandeep Warrier — were not present in the House during the election. LDF member C.K. Hareendran was also absent.

A first-time MLA representing the Aroor Assembly constituency in Alappuzha district, Shanimol Usman is a senior Congress leader with decades of experience in student, local body and national-level politics. She has held several important positions within the party and public institutions, including serving as Vice-President of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), a member of the Kerala University Senate, Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), and Chairperson of the Alappuzha Municipality.

Known for her active role in organisational politics and public affairs, Shanimol has been a prominent face of the Congress in Kerala for many years. She holds postgraduate and law degrees, having earned an MA and an LLB.

Her elevation to the post of Deputy Speaker is being viewed as a significant recognition of her long political career and contribution to public life. The development also strengthens women's representation in the leadership structure of the Kerala Legislative Assembly at a time when greater participation of women in politics continues to be a subject of national discussion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman