Kolkata: In a unique initiative by the Election Commission of India (EC) a group of transgenders will be in-charge of a polling station in Kolkata on April 30.
Riya Sarkar, who had undergone sex realignment surgery, is perhaps the first trans-woman in India to have been entrusted with the job of a presiding officer. On Saturday, Sarkar will be seen at a South Kolkata booth manned only by women in Rashbehari area.
“This is a matter of great honour for me. Hope this will help others who have undergone sex change to come align with the mainstream,” said Sarkar.
“Election is process of celebration of democracy where every section of society must participate. Until now, transgenders have refused to vote in fear of public humiliation. But through this process, we hope to bring them into the forefront of electioneering,” said Smita Pandey, electoral officer of south Kolkata.
“We can deploy any able person who can take on the strains of conducting polls and they are physically capable to conduct polls for the gruelling 12 hours, just like any other person,” Pandey said.
Though the EC is yet to declare details of the polling station where transgenders will be in-charge, they have conducted special sessions to teach them the process of polling and the do’s and don’ts for D-Day.
“We conduct special sessions for polling officers before every election and they [transgenders] have also been a part of the process just like anyone else. This is social engineering of trying to involve them in mainstream activities,” added Pandey.
The EC is hoping that through this move more transgenders will come out to vote as until now they had been averse to exercising their constitutional duty.
Organisations working for the development of transgenders have welcomed the move saying the effort by a constitutional body is commendable which will only help to remove the social stigma that is often attached with transgenders.
“When people will stand to vote along with a transgender, somewhere he or she will be reminded that just like them, they also have one vote which is equally important just like theirs. This should help to remove the feeling of alienation towards them,” said Pratush Roy, a social worker.
For the first time, two transgender candidates will also be contesting from two constituencies in Kolkata. While Bobby Halder will be contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhawanipore seat, Shankari Mandal is in the fray from Jadavpur. Both have been fielded by the Lok Janshakti Party.
All the political parties have welcomed the move as many see this as a perfect step towards building a inclusive society. “Democracy is all about creating an inclusive society and we welcome the move by the EC. It is a commendable effort,” said Trinamool Congress spokesperson.
“Bengal always has been at the forefront of social changes. It is good to know that EC has started this process from here. Hope this becomes a regular feature in every election all overIndia,” said Rupa Ganguly, state vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Party and former actress.
