Kochi: Jijo Modi, a Pathanamthitta district panchayat member, is now the star in the district following Rahul Gandhi’s conviction for "defaming the Modi community.”
Apart from his surname and beard, he has no resemblance to prime minister Narendra Modi. Neither does he have any affection for him. Born to a Congress family, Jijo is a CPM member representing the Malayalapuzha division of the Pathanamthitta district panchayat.
His family name is ‘Modiyil’. Father George, a Congressman, was popular in the locality as George Modiyil. When his son was born 33 years ago, George named him Jijo Modi, shortening the family name. George knew his son would become a politician. But he certainly did not think about ending up in CPM.
Jijo joined the Students Federation of India when he was studying in class 10. Later, he became college union chairman. His win from a Congress bastion to the district panchayat surprised many. However, the Congress party is now using Jijo's name to argue that Modi is not just a caste surname (defending Rahul Gandhi).
Jijo says his name has brought him attraction since school days. Recently, when he visited the state secretariat, the security staff, while reading his name, asked, “Are you PM’s man?” Jijo swiftly replied, “No, I am CM’s man.”
Jijo’s wife Monisha works at a cooperative bank. Their children also carry the Modi surname- Sainika Modi (8) and Nainika Modi (3). Though PM Modi is a political opponent, the name Modi is close to me, says Jijo.
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