Lok Sabha Polls: 1st Third Gender Candidate Files Nomination From Delhi

The first third gender candidate so far in the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital, filed his nomination papers from the South Delhi constituency on Friday.

26-year-old Rajan Singh, wearing a dhoti, cap and gold jewelleries, reached alone for filing nomination papers at the office of the returning officer of South Delhi in Saket.

"I am contesting this election to draw the attention of people as well as the authorities towards the problems faced by the third gender persons due to lack of separate civic amenities for them and also for their social acceptance and rights," Rajan Singh told PTI.

Rajan Singh, a native of Bihar, lives in Sangam Vihar area of the city.

"I want the government to set up a national trans-gender commission so that our basic needs and necessities, such as separate washrooms and queues at government offices and service providers, and also at least one per cent reservation in jobs and education could materialise," Rajan Singh said.

Rajan Singh has declared assets of Rs one lakh cash in hand and total movable assets worth Rs 15.10 lakh, including 200 gm gold and more than Rs 10,000, in a bank account.

Rajan Singh declared no immovable assets in the poll affidavit.

"My father was an electrician when we shifted to Delhi from Bihar in 2010. Life is tough for everyone, but for us it is tougher as we also have to fight for our identity, acceptance and equal rights." Rajan Singh claimed it took three years to have an identity certificate because of lengthy procedure and said males and females do not have to provide any gender proof.

The filing of nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls is an effort to make the presence of a third gender felt by the people and draw attention of the voters towards their rights, Rajan Singh said.

"If I win, I will address basic needs for the third gender," Rajan  Singh said pointing there are even animal welfare boards for their protection but there is no such arrangement for the third gender people.

The third gender have been recognised on official papers but they are yet to be accepted by the society, Singh said questioning why there were no leaders in any major political party from the community, Rajan Singh added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)