Alathur: Much to the LDF’s dismay, Ramya Haridas from Kunnamangalam in Kerala’s Kozhikode district has won the hearts of the people of Alathur.

Ramya Haridas experienced a life-changing moment about six years ago when Congress president Rahul Gandhi hand-picked her. She belonged to a socially backward family. Her exceptionally good performance at the talent-hunt programme that was organized by the Congress in New Delhi had caught Rahul Gandhi’s attention and she became a member of his chosen team.

Ramya had gained the affection of people as soon as she started campaigning against LDF candidate PK Biju. Congress members called her their “little sister”.

When the votes were counted on Thursday, Ramya seems to be in a position to defeat PK Biju by a huge margin. Biju was one of the safe bets of the LDF. The difference of votes between the two has crossed 1 lakh.

According to reports, Ramya approached the voters of Alathur with a positive attitude. She sang to the mood of the crowd whenever they asked her to. PK Biju had his fate sealed when Ramya approached voters. PK Biju was constantly criticized for his lack of presence in the constituency.

A Vijayaraghavan had made a sexist remark at Ramya to which she responded saying, “I should thank him for that thoughtless comment”.

Soon after the election, Ramya had given up her post as Kunnamangalam block panchayat president.

Ramya has represented the country at a global youth meet held in 2012 in Japan. She has played an active role in the Adivasi struggle that was carried out under the banner of Ekta Parishad.

Ramya is a graduate in music and has had audiences swooning over her performances in music and arts festivals. She won the Nehru Yuva Kendra award for the best public worker in 2007.