Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh Municipal Commission Mayor Madhu Kinnar on Monday demanded that the Odisha Government ensure a five-per cent reservation for transgenders (TGs) in the upcoming corporation, municipality and NAC elections in order to include them in the mainstream of the society.
Transgenders have no facility to participate in politics; and earlier, two kinnars had been deprived of fighting elections in Odisha, said Madhu at a Press meet here.
Odisha TG Surakshya Trust president Menaka said the trust had submitted a memorandum on their demand to the Chief Election Commission; and in reply, the commission said it is the responsibility of the Central and State Governments.
Further, a memorandum was also submitted to the State Election Commission for reservation for transgenders in the municipality elections, but the State Government has not yet made any response to it, Menaka added.
Trust members said that as the corporation, municipality and NAC elections are to be held by the end of this year, their demand for a five- per cent reservation in the polls should be conceded at the soonest.
Among others, Bright light Charitable Trust president Sweety Kinnar and TG rights activist Pratap Sahu were present.