Meet Priyanka Jarkiholi, Youngest Tribal Leader to Win from an Unreserved Seat

Priyanka Jarkiholi, a woman who created history in this Lok Sabha election. She became the youngest tribal woman to win an unreserved seat in Karnataka since independence. She won from Chikkodi seat of Karnataka. This is the first time a woman coming from the tribal community won from an unreserved constituency and that too at such a young age. It is the only seat Congress managed to clinch from the BJP dominated region of Karnataka Mumbai. 

While speaking to the media after her historic triumph, Priyanka said "I will strive and meet their expectations, and ensure overall development of the constituency." She also thanked the workers and MLAs for their constant support. 

 

 

 

 

 

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This feat has become more commendable because of the nature of the seat Priyanka managed to win. With this victory she became the second leader coming from a reserved community who won from an unreserved seat. Before her, Kotturu Hariharappa Ranganath was the first tribal leader to have won from an unreserved constituency Chitradurga during 1984-89.

Who is Priyanka Jarkiholi?

Coming from a politically powerful family, Priyanka Jarkiholi is one of the three women elected for the Parliament from the state of Karnataka. She is the daughter of Satish Jarkiholi, minister of Public Works Department, Karnataka. Priyanka has done her Masters from the Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University. She also has an MBA. As of June 4, 2024, the day of the Lok Sabha results announcement, she was 27 years and 1 month old and 18 days.

Priyanka Jarkiholi is a fervent advocate for increasing the number of women in politics and government. Priyanka acknowledges the fact of her being associated with an influential political family. While giving an interview to a media house she talked about women coming political families. She said, “Some say women from political families tend to listen to the men of the family, rather than making independent decisions.” While talking about the women participation in politics, she emphasized on women needing to demonstrate their abilities through their work and profession.

Priyanka contested from Chikkodi seat of Karnataka on the ticket of Indian National Congress. She won the election with more than 1,20,000 votes against sitting MP Annasaheb Jolle. With this victory Priyanka became the first tribal women to win an election on General Category Parliament seat. She is also amongst the youngest elected MPs of 18th Lok Sabha Election. Moreover, she also became the second leader in the history of tribal community to win an election from unreserved constituency. Kotturu Hariharappa Ranganath was the first tribal leader to win from Chitradurga parliament seat in 1984 Lok Sabha Elections. 

Jarkiholi Family Political Dominance

Priyanka Jarkiholi comes from a politically influential family. Her father, Satish Jarkiholi, is a minister in the current Karnataka Government. Her uncles, Ramesh Jarkiholi and Balachndra Jarkiholi are also sitting MLA’s in the Karnataka State Assembly. They represent Gokak and Arabhavi assembly constituencies, respectively. Her another uncle Lakhan is an independent member of the Karnataka State Council. 

With the victory in the Chikkodi constituency, Priyanka became the first Jarkiholi to ever win a Lok Sabha election and elected to the parliament. Her win cemented the Jarkiholi dominance in the district politics of the region. This victory has also expanded the family’s political influence, reaching all 18 of the district's assembly constituencies.

“I have multiple identities- a young person, the daughter of a Minister and a tribal girl who had the fortune to get a post-graduate education. I do not shy away from these identities. But then, to be a good leader or a capable, you need to prove yourself. I hope to do that,” said Priyanka Jarkiholi after winning the elections.

Why is this a Historic Moment?

Priyanka’s win in the Chikkodi constituency of Karnataka can not be considered as just another victory. With this win Priyanka managed to be a first in many criteria.

• She became the first women from a tribal community to be elected to the parliament from an unreserved constituency.
• With this win she also became the second tribal leader to have clinched a victory from a General Category parliament seat (not reserved for any specific category).
• She is one of the youngest candidate to be elected for the 18th Lok Sabha session. 
• She is the first female from the influential Jarkiholi family to contest in an election.
• She also became the first member of the Jarkiholi family to enter parliament as a member. 

What is the Minimum Age to Contest for Parliament Elections?

As per the constitution, the minimum age of congestion for the Lok Sabha Elections in India is 25 years. The candidate must be of 25 years or more on the date of scrutiny of their nomination paper. It must be noted that tampering with the age may result in the disqualification of the candidate. 

Also Read: Meet Youngest and Oldest Candidates who won Lok Sabha Election 2024