Transgender in poll contest

Espousing the cause of her exploited community, a transgender has taken the poll plunge as an independent from Madurai Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu.
53-year-old Bharathi Kannamma hailing from Madurai, is the only transgender to fight the April 24 polls in the state, which has enumerated voter strength of about 3,000.
Kannamma, who describes herself as a "social activist", does not have any strong financial background as per the affidavit filed by her with the State Election Commission.
Currently, she has Rs 3,000 in cash and Rs one lakh in her bank account as per the affidavit.
Kannamma, an Economics graduate from Madurai Kamaraj University, has plans to implement several initiatives targeting the youth, besides transgenders, if elected.

"There are many political parties who say we will do this, we will do that. But nobody has done anything. But if I am elected to power I will guarantee one job per household in my constituency and make education a must", she told PTI.

"I want to make education for all irrespective of caste, creed or religion and create employment opportunities. Today, there are many graduates but not all get jobs. I want to create employment opportunities for them", he said.
Asked about her winning chances in the polls, in which several political parties are in the fray, she said, "People are dissatisfied with the political parties. That is why I have decided to contest as an independent".

The ruling AIADMK government has fielded R Gopalakrishnan while DMK has nominated V Velusamy, DMDK G Pandiarajan, CPI(M) C Ramakrishnan, AAP M Kamacis, for the Madurai constituency.
Madurai has about 11 lakh voters.
Kannamma said she has formed a committee to draft a manifesto. Besides serving the youth, Kannamma said she would also work for the welfare of transgenders as due to lack of proper guidance many such transgenders enter the flesh trade.