Thiruvananthapuram, 18 May (H.S.): In one of the biggest last-minute surprises in Chief Minister V D Satheesan’s cabinet formation, Youth Congress state president O J Janeesh secured a place in the ministry, emerging as the youngest member of the new cabinet at the age of 37. His inclusion came at a stage when discussions over cabinet positions had almost reached their final phase and several senior leaders were being considered.

Political observers say a combination of factors worked in Janeesh’s favour — representation for the Ezhava community, consideration for Thrissur district, and the leadership’s emphasis on bringing younger faces into governance. But beyond political calculations, Janeesh’s rise is also a story of perseverance and struggle.

Born into a family that faced severe financial hardships, Janeesh built his life through determination and hard work. His mother Pushpa worked as a daily wage labourer under the rural employment scheme. Tragedy struck the family when his father Janaranjan, a bar employee in Chalakudy, collapsed and died while Janeesh was studying in the second year of his diploma course at Perumbavoor Polytechnic.

The responsibility of sustaining the family fell on his mother’s shoulders, while Janeesh took up part-time jobs to support his studies. He worked as a security guard and at an internet café in Perumbavoor while continuing his education.

Despite the difficult circumstances, he remained focused on academics. Janeesh completed his schooling at Kuzhur Government High School and VCSHSS Puthenvelikkara. He later obtained a diploma in Electronics and Communication from Government Polytechnic, Perumbavoor and a BBA LLB degree from Government Law College, Thrissur.

His political journey began through the Kerala Students Union (KSU). Rising steadily through the ranks, he served in various organisational positions before becoming Youth Congress state president in October last year following internal developments within the organisation.

Janeesh also gained recognition for his legal battle against the Paliyekkara toll plaza and for his participation in several protests. During protests against the previous government’s Nava Kerala Sadas programme, he spent 21 days in jail. He has reportedly faced around 70 cases linked to his participation in political agitations.

His electoral breakthrough came in the recent Assembly election, when he defeated CPI leader V R Sunilkumar in the Left stronghold of Kodungallur by a margin of 8,308 votes. Party leaders see his ministerial elevation as recognition of both his political fighting spirit and his journey from hardship to leadership.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman