Odisha assembly polls: BSP fields a transgender candidate

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Saturday decided to field a transgender named Kajal Nayak from Korei assembly seat for upcoming assembly elections in Odisha. Kajal, also a social worker from Jajpur region said, "I am happy that BSP has decided to give ticket to me to contest the poll. I approached many political parties earlier but no one entertained me, I am thankful to BSP for showing their faith in me and in the transgender community." Kajal is also the president of Transgender Association of Jajpur and has been working for transgender rights as well as on local issues. Odisha has 147 assembly constituencies that will go to polls in four phases starting April 11 and will be held along with the Lok Sabha elections.