Brahmin Woman Kamakshi Jayaraman Elected Mayor of Madras on DMK Ticket in 1971
On November 29, 1971, Kamakshi Jayaraman, a Brahmin woman and member of the DMK, was elected Mayor of Madras, marking a significant moment in the city’s political history. Contesting under the communal rotation system that governed the mayoral post, she secured 74 votes, defeating her nearest rival, C.R. Narasimhan of the Swatantra Party, who received 47 votes.
Jayaraman, who shared her party affiliation with her husband, became only the second woman to hold the mayoral position in Madras, reflecting both the growing role of women in politics and the DMK’s emphasis on inclusive representation. Her election was notable not only for her gender but also for her community background, highlighting the dynamics of the communal rotation system in shaping local governance.
Her tenure symbolized a blend of political acumen and social representation, setting a precedent for future women leaders in the city’s administration and strengthening the DMK’s influence in municipal politics.
