Transgender Contesting in Lok Sabha Election Polls 2019

Transgender Contesting in Lok Sabha Election Polls 2019: For the 1st time in Indian history, Transgender is contesting in the election at Allahabad Lok Sabha constituency representing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). 

Bhawani Nath Valmiki of AAP is in contention with Rita Bhuguna Joshi (BJP) and Rajendra Pratap Singh (Samajwadi – Bahujan Samaj alliance). The election is slated on 12th May. It was a bold move by Aam Aadmi to rope a transgender candidate and field them in LS election.

Bhawani said that “When the decision of joining in politics is made, there were a lot of struggles. I approached many political parties and none of them has shown interest towards my ideas & thoughts, but AAP gave me the election pass to prove my worth.”

Providing a chance to a transgender candidate is a victory for them as well as the society, Bhawani added. It uplifts the transgender community and also develops the nation. “The Allahabad constituency is a popular one because 3 Prime Ministers has been represented here. Rise of Unemployability, Water, Education and Medical facilities are my major priorities and that’s the main reason for joining politics”, said by Bhawani.

The development in this religious city is under par and we have experienced it, through the world’s largest gathering “Kumbh Mela” - Bhawani further added, who is in the fray with Kinnar Akhara. Though I’m a transgender candidate, Aam Aadmi Party believed me, by providing this opportunity and I’m utilizing it by campaigning every nook and corner of the constituency and listening to various problems that are faced by the people.

Bhawani claimed that “Many parties come with attractive manifesto’s, but has no intention of implementing it. But AAP wants to break this cycle and took the initiative of proceeding further towards sustainable development”.