Doddalathur’s granny gears up for poll battle

A 102-year-old woman has stunned everyone by throwing her hat into the poll ring in Kollegal taluk. Her will to contest has proved beyond doubt that age is no bar to fight an election.

Gowthamamma, who lives alone at her house in Doddalathur village in Chamarajnagar district, has raised many a eyebrow with her electoral fight from Doddalathur Gram Panchayat, which was recently formed following the reorganisation of GPs. Doddalathur was earlier in Kaudahalli Gram Panchayat.

Fascinatingly, it’s the first election for the centenarian and also the newly-formed GP. So, what impelled her to jump into the poll fray? Gowthamamma, mother to six daughters and a son and grandmother to 20 grandchildren, is a favourite among the village residents.

“My people asked me to contest the poll and I agreed without a second thought,” she told

The Hindu over phone from her village.

Ripe age has not deterred Gowthamamma, who keeps herself busy moving around the village and talking to people. Barring some hearing issues, she is healthy with good eyesight, a relative said.

When asked if her age permits her to work as a people’s representative and attend meetings, she said, “I will do whatever is possible. Moreover, there are people around me to help.”

“It’s a special election as there are no candidates like Gowthamamma in the poll fray in the State,” said Ravi Kumar, her relative, who is a former member of Chikkalattur Gram Panchayat.

Her grandson Manju, who lives in Mysuru, said, “It’s a maiden election for my grandmother and Doddalathur. So, it is unique in twoways. I’m sure she will win. We are there to support and assist her.” Gowthamamma’s opponent happens to be her distant relative.