Transgender to take on Jaya

Making her electoral debut, a 33-year-old transgender and social activist is all set to take on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the high-profile RK Nagar constituency.

Not new to politics, G Devi is contesting from actor Seeman's Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK), which has fielded its party candidates in all the 234 constituencies of the state to take on All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

Before joining NTK, Devi was discharging her duties as deputy secretary in Salem district with Actor Sarath Kumar's All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi, which had secured victory in two seats during 2011 polls.

Taking care of a trust called "Thaai Madi", which rehabilitates underprivileged children, Devi was denied seat from major Dravadian parties in Tamil Nadu to contest the polls.

"I was denied ticket from major parties. However, I managed to get a seat from NTK," Devi told DH after filing her nomination papers on Friday morning at RK Nagar RDO office.

Stating that transgenders were not given opportunity in any field, she contended why men and women alone decide what to do for the country and the state. "We can also achieve if we were at the right platform", Devi said.

Interestingly, Devi will be the second transgender to contest this assembly polls after M Anushiyasree, the first transgender to file her nominations at Madurai south a few days back.
Devi's poll campaigning was simple. Devi, who is going door-to-door canvassing even during the day time, promises the RK Nagar electorates to give quality education.

She also gave assurance to the electorates to provide pure drinking water facility for each and every household and ensuring employment opportunities for the younger generation.

Not expecting a major victory, she said, "It (contesting the polls) is to send the alarm bells ringing to politicians across the country that even transgenders can enter electoral politics to secure their rights."

Interestingly, Devi's other major opponent in the Opposition DMK is also a woman. AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa is seeking re-election in RK Nagar polls where she won last time with the margin of more than 1.5 lakh votes.