Ammalu Amma, a septuagenarian from Paravur known for voluntarily cleaning the town’s streets for over three decades, became the heartwarming highlight of VD Satheesan’s oath-taking ceremony as Kerala Chief Minister. Walking through thousands without any security protocol, she walked onto the stage and embraced Rahul Gandhi and then Chief Minister VD Satheesan.

Rahul Gandhi immediately embraced her as she arrived at the stage, followed by Satheesan who introduced her. She also greeted Priyanka Gandhi with a namaskaram before departing happily.

The bond between Ammalu Amma and Satheesan dates back to the 2018 Kerala floods, when Satheesan, then an opposition leader, visited a relief camp and embraced her. He later helped build a house for her. When journalists asked if Satheesan was like a son to her, she replied, “He is my son.”

Ammalu Amma, born Seethalakshmi Ammal, was given the name Ammalu Amma by Satheesan himself. She wakes up at 3 AM daily, reaches the town by 4:30 AM, and cleans the streets, shop verandas, and public spaces without any expectation of payment. Shopkeepers offer her tea and food. She returns home by 8 PM after her self-appointed duties.