Karnataka: To serve people, this transgender takes poll route in Chitradurga

Chitradurga: “I have contested elections before and toured several countries. I can speak nine languages and have now returned home to do some good here and help people like me who are abandoned get basic facilities,” says transgender candidate, Kumari, who is contesting the Zilla Panchayat election as an independent from Guddada Rangavvanahalli constituency in Chitradurga district.

Kumari, who runs a dhaba on the Benguluru-Pune national highway on the outskirts of the city, is from Ayithur village in Guddada Rangavvanahalli constituency. She grows vegetables near her dhaba and has the support of many sexual minorities and activists working for transgenders, who are canvassing for her these elections.

Transforming from ‘Kumar’ to ‘Kumari’ 25 years ago , she left home and travelled to Pune, Mumbai and other metropolitan cities, besides Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal and other countries, before settling down in Pune where she built her own house.

“In my life’s journey, I have learnt to speak Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Konkani, Tulu, Hindi and Urdu. What more qualification do you want from me?” Kumari demands, when asked if she thought she was qualified enough to represent the people of the constituency.

Recalling her association with Pune, she adds, “I contested the Mandal election in Pune and canvassed for many candidates there. Even today, I hold sway in some areas of Pune.”

“Moreover, I have the love and affection of the people here. I do electioneering without money as I am not contesting for personal gain but in the larger interests of society,” she signs off.