The first third-gender candidate so far in the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital filed their nomination papers from the South Delhi constituency on Friday.
Twenty-six-year-old Rajan Singh, wearing a dhoti, cap, and gold jewellery, arrived alone to file nomination papers at the office of the returning officer of South Delhi in Saket.
"I am contesting this election to draw the attention of people as well as the authorities towards the problems faced by the third gender persons due to lack of separate civic amenities for them and also for their social acceptance and rights," Singh told PTI.
Singh is a native of Bihar and lives in the Sangam Vihar area of the city.
"I want the government to set up a national trans-gender commission so that our basic needs and necessities, such as separate washrooms and queues at government offices and service providers, and also at least one per cent reservation in jobs and education could materialise," Singh said.
In their poll affidavit, Singh disclosed that they possess Rs. 1 lakh cash in hand and movable assets worth Rs. 15.10 lakh, which includes 200 gm of gold and more than Rs. 10,000 in a bank account. However, Singh has not declared any immovable assets.
"My father was an electrician when we shifted to Delhi from Bihar in 2010. Life is tough for everyone, but for us, it is tougher as we also have to fight for our identity, acceptance and equal rights."
Singh claimed it took three years to get an identity certificate because of the lengthy procedure and said males and females do not have to provide any proof of gender.
The third gender has been recognised on official papers but has yet to be accepted by society, Singh said, questioning why there were no leaders in any major political party from the community.
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