Chintha Jerome Set to Become DYFI's First Woman State President

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 17 August 2026

CPM state committee member Chintha Jerome is to become the state president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), potentially becoming the organization’s first woman state president. Kalliasseri MLA M. Vijin is likely to be appointed as the state secretary.

The decision was taken during a party faction meeting of the DYFI state secretariat, where CPM state secretary M V Govindan announced the proposed changes. The meeting also resolved to introduce a 38-year age limit for that holding state-level office in the DYFI.

The move has triggered concerns within the organization over its succession strategy. The proposed age ceiling could rule out two prominent minority-community leaders, J S Shijukhan and M Shajar, who had reportedly been considered for key positions. Both leaders are currently members of the DYFI central committee.

Sources said Shajar raised questions about the new age criterion during the meeting. While the DYFI constitution fixes 40 as the maximum age for membership, the CPM leadership has previously granted exemptions for state office-bearers. The decision has also drawn attention to the fact that DYFI all-India president and Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim continues in the position at the age of 46.

Key Highlights:

• Chintha may become DYFI’s first woman state president, with M. Vijin likely as state secretary
• The 38-year age limit sparks controversy, potentially excluding J S Shijukhan and M Shajar
• DYFI leaders raise concerns over the succession process and Vijin’s proposed elevation

While there is no opposition to Chinta’s name, as she is one of the senior central committee leaders, there is criticism over Vijin’s proposed elevation. Leaders allege that the 38-year age bar was introduced to exclude Shijukhan and Shajar, both of whom are 39.

Some leaders also alleged that the proposal was presented without the approval of the CPM state secretariat. There is also criticism that by proposing Vijin, an MLA, as state secretary, the organization’s interests are being compromised. DYFI leaders from Kannur alleged that Shajar was ‘eliminated’ from consideration because of his proximity to P Jayarajan.

Meanwhile, CPM state secretariat member and DYFI in-charge C N Mohanan told TNIE that the age limit was fixed at 38 on the basis that elected leaders should have at least two years to work.

Meanwhile, the proposed reduction in the age limit for office-bearers has reportedly triggered strong differences of opinion within the organization. While the maximum age for DYFI membership is 40, the age limit for its office-bearers is decided by the CPM.

There is also dissatisfaction over reports that the age limit was reduced to 38 at the direction of M.V. Govindan without the knowledge of the CPM state secretariat. A section of DYFI leaders has reportedly raised the issue with senior CPM leaders.

The move has also drawn allegations that the reduced age limit is intended to exclude leaders, including Thiruvananthapuram district secretary M. Shijukhan, who was considered a possible candidate for the state president's post. Shijukhan is above 38 years of age.