Chintha Jerome, from the southern district of Kollam, has been elected the first female State president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) in Keralam.

A DYFI central committee member and CPI(M) State committee member, Ms. Jerome was elected to the top post at the organisation’s 16th State Conference in Thrissur on Saturday (August 22, 2026). DYFI all-India president A.A. Rahim announced the new office-bearers at the conference.

Former SFI State secretary and Kalliaseri MLA M. Vijin was elected State secretary, while R. Rahul of Alappuzha was elected treasurer.

Ms. Jerome’s elevation marks a significant moment for the youth organisation, which has for the first time chosen a woman to head its State unit.

With a doctorate in English literature from the University of Kerala, Ms. Jerome entered student politics through the SFI and rose through the organisation’s ranks. She served as chairperson of the University of Kerala Union in 2007-08 and was later elected to the university’s Senate and Syndicate.

She served two consecutive terms as chairperson of the Kerala State Youth Commission from 2016 to 2023. During her tenure, she introduced and implemented several initiatives, including the Youth Brigade programme.

Ms. Jerome is also the author of three books.

Published - August 22, 2026 03:11 pm IST