Clapping their way into BBMP electoral scene
You have seen them in sarees and salwaars, clapping in a unique style and seeking alms at any traffic junction in the City. But now they would come to you in the garb of politicians seeking your votes.
Drawing inspiration from Shabnam Mousi, a Hijra from Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh, who was MLA for almost four-and-half years, two Hijras in the city plan to contest the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike elections. If luck blinks in their favour and voters show their solidarity, Vasantha Kumari and Veena would make their way to the BBMP’s elected body.
Vasantha Kumari intends to file her nomination paper from Hampinagara in Vijayanagara, whereas her companion Veena plans to jump into the fray from Okalipuram ward, which is reserved for SC woman candidates. Vasantha Kumari’s decision holds value because she is the General Secretary of the Karnataka Mangala Mukhiyara Sangha (Association of Eunuchs).
The two candidates have elaborate plans. They would canvass for each other and would be accompanied by a ‘troupe’ of not less than 2,000 eunuchs and others. “Our population in Karnataka is nearly 10 lakh. We too are human beings and want to enjoy the rights given to any other person on this land,” said Vasantha Kumari.
How would Vasantha Kumari convince people to cast their vote in her favour? Her response was quick, “Everybody prays for their children and their families, but we are the people who pray for others. We usually live and die in anonymity because we do not have our families. In other words, this society and nation is our family.”
Because she does not have a family to leave a property behind, she would not become corrupt, said Vasantha Kumari. The canvassing is likely to commence on March 20 and people would see a lot of dance and drama at Hampinagara and Okalipura wards.
