Transgender victorious in local body poll in Punjab

Sandeep Mahant became the only transgender to emerge victorious in the local body polls in Punjab on Wednesday — a rare feat in a community which comprised just 540 electors in all of the states in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Mahant, a Congress candidate, won from Ward 27 of Mansa municipal council by defeating Sukhchain Singh of BJP by eight votes. Sources in the Congress said Mahant could be given a position in the municipal council.
Mahant is a eunuch and prefers to be addressed as a woman.

The transgender community is elated over getting representation in the civic body. By tradition, eunuchs visit people on special occasions, but it was Mahant’s residence which was teeming with admirers on Wednesday evening. Mahant said she is feeling “very happy” by winning in municipal council elections and she would discharge with “full devotion” any responsibility given to her.

Mansa zila parishad chairman Bikram Mofar, said, “We feel happy over the victory of Sandeep Mahant. She may be provided with some responsibility in the new house to be formed in a few days.”