Phagwara Witnesses Historic First: Third-Gender Candidate Files Nomination for MC Elections

Phagwara: In a groundbreaking development, 53-year-old Mahno Mahant filed her nomination papers to contest the Municipal Corporation elections from Ward No. 27 in Phagwara as an independent candidate. A resident of CRP Colony in Urban Estate, Phagwara, Mahant is the first third-gender individual to enter the city’s municipal election race, marking a historic moment in local politics.

At the SDM office, Mahant spoke about her journey into politics and her decision to contest independently. She alleged betrayal by political parties in the past, citing her denied candidacy by the BJP in 2014 despite promises from former Union Minister Som Parkash. Similarly, Mahant claimed that the AAP leadership failed to deliver on a promised ticket, compelling her to chart her path independently.

A Voice for the Marginalized
Mahant’s candidacy aims to spotlight the challenges faced by the third-gender community. She emphasized the urgent need for:

Separate civic amenities for third-gender individuals, including dedicated washrooms.
A national transgender commission to address their needs.
Job and education reservations of at least 1%.
Priority in queues at government offices to ensure dignity and inclusion.
Advocating for Inclusion
Mahant urged political parties to provide third-gender individuals with opportunities to lead and serve society. Beyond her political agenda, she expressed a desire to open a school for underprivileged students, underscoring her commitment to education and community welfare.

This historic step has ignited hope for greater representation and acceptance of third-gender individuals in leadership roles, paving the way for a more inclusive society.