KOLLAM: About a month and a half ago, Kerala was delighted to hear the news of a sweeper who worked in a panchayat office and has become the chief of the same office. News of Anandavally, who got elected as the president of Pattanapuram block panchayat quickly rose to national prominence. But now, the latest reports state that Anandavally is facing casteist insults from staff in her own office.

Anandavally said that hostile attitude of staff, lack of respect to the post, creating rumours against the president are some of the gravest issues that she is facing on a daily basis in the office. The bitter ordeal faced by Anandavally came to light when she complained to the MLA of the area, K B Ganeshkumar.

Anandavally contested as CPM’s candidate from Thalavoor division. Anandavally, who is fondly known among the people as ‘Valli Chechi’, was working in the block panchayat office in Thalavoor as a sweeper for more than a decade. Latest reports state that she has faced casteist insults even when she was working as a sweeper. Due to continuous insults, she even had to resign from a panchayat office. Her husband Mohan who is a painting worker is also a member of CPM’s local committee.

K B Ganesh Kumar MLA has taken an uncompromising attitude on Anandavally’s issue. Ganesh Kumar even openly criticised the employees of block panchayat, who insulted her and prevented her from discharging the duties of block panchayat president. “Those who say casteist slurs on a woman like Anandavally, who from her humble background of being a dalit rose to high ranks in public service, will not be tolerated and such people have to face severe consequences if they continue it,” he said.

“From being a temporary sweeper, she was chosen by the people to head the block panchayat. That is the greatness of democracy. Those who continue to cause painful ordeal to Anandavally might have to pay a high price. Keep your feudal mentality to yourself do not take it out in Pathanapuram,” Ganesh warned.