Kolkata, April 30: Today is no ordinary day for the transgender community of Kolkata. In this crucial and penultimate phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, they have a special ‘assignment’, given to them by the Trinamool Congress leaders. They have bee told to report to the party headquarters in Patuli area, where they will get to know what their special and secret duties are all about. No guesses though, that their tasks will be way different today from what they do day in and day out.
The Hijra community of Kolkata has sure found a role to play in the fifth phase of the assembly polls, where 53 constituenicies and 349 candidates will see the dance of democracy playing out on Saturday. According to a report in the Times of India, an ‘army’ of them has been employed on poll duty in the city, but for what exactly, remains unclear. Speaking to TOI, Lisa Hijra said, “I have been asked to report to the Trinamool party office in Patuli with my group. I am trying to get as many people from my community as I can be there from early morning.” Also Read: LIVE West Bengal Assembly Elections 2016
The Opposition meanwhile, is not taking the move in their stride and view it as an attempt at booth jamming. A CPM local committee member from Mukundapur said in the report, “This is a ploy for booth jamming by Trinamool. We have been asking our womenfolk to lead the resistance against the Trinamool bike gang. Only a week ago, it was the women who managed to chase them away at Shahid Smriti Colony. Now, they are depending on this army to rig the elections and keep women voters under control”.
However, Lisa is furious when she hears such allegations. She says that she and her community, earn their living and do not survive on “haram ka money”. The election agent of a TMC candidates however, explianed the party’s motives saying, “We are merely asking them to join politics and urging them to come together and vote. The CPM claim is extremely absurd and foolish. When you fear losing, you come up with such excuses”. Another transgender from the Patuli explained, “Since we operate in this locality we know the Trinamool workers here. That is why they trust us. We in turn have to stand by them as they help us in need. “
(Image Credits: PTI File Photo)
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on India.com.
