First Transwoman To Contest From Pimpri-Chinchwad Area

Pune: Natasha alias Nitish Lokhande will be the first transwoman to contest the State assembly elections from Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Probably she would be the first person in the Pune district to contest the polls. 

Political party Janhit Lokshahi has decided to field Natasha from Chinchwad constituency for the upcoming State assembly election. 

A resident of Chinchwad, Natasha aspires to work towards the upliftment of her community. 

“Transgenders are always looked down upon in society. For the first time, I have got such an opportunity and I wish to work towards the development of the community,” said Natasha.

“Transgenders have been fighting for their rights. Even after partially reading down section 377 of Indian Penal Code, which has enabled the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community to claim their rights in the society, it has hardly been effective. From identity documents to purchasing a new vehicle or loans or to start a new business, the community has been struggling to get their rights,” said Natasha. 

“We are not looking for sympathy. We just wish to be seen as equals, as humans who have the same rights as everybody else,” she added.

“I want to contest this election with a vision to improve the community’s condition in the society,” she said.  Party’s founder Ashok Alhat will contest from Pimpri constituency, while vice-president will contest from Maval.