For councillor, Its the biggest day in his life

CHENNAI:  For AIADMK’s 145th Ward councillor P Benjamin, Friday was a historic day in his life as party  chief and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced his name for the prestigious Deputy Mayor post in the Chennai Corporation.“It’s a dream come true for me. I will make a mark in my career with Amma’s blessings,” Benjamin told ‘Express’ after being nominated to the post.Forty-two-year old Benjamin is the son of a retired Indian Air Force personnel and had studied BA in History. Father of two sons, Benjamin lives at Nolambur, a newly-added area in the expanded Chennai Corporation. “Though I missed a chance to contest from Maduravoyal constituency in the Assembly elections on an AIADMK ticket after the seat went to an alliance partner, Amma gave me a chance in the Chennai Corporation elections and made me a councillor,” said Benjamin. In the local body elections, Benjamin defeated his nearest rival, Allenraj of the MDMK, by over 700 votes.According to local party functionaries, Benjamin joined the AIADMK in 1988 and has held different positions. Prior to becoming the councillor, Benjamin was the party’s secretary in Villivakkam union for about 10 years.