This Gram Panchayat In Odisha’s Sambalpur Has Elected Men, Women As Sarpanch, Will It Vote For A Transgender This Time?

Sambalpur: The sarpanch post in Rengali gram panchayat in Odisha’s Sambalpur district has been held by both men and women in the past.

Ramakanta Sahu, a 30-year-old transgender who is also known as Priya, hopes to be elected as the sarpanch of Rengali this time.

“The people of Rengali have elected both men and women as their sarpanch in the past, hoping for development. But all of them disappointed them,” said Priya, the only transgender to contest for the post of sarpanch in the district.

“Transgenders have proved they can be successful in politics and solve the problems of people. I want to work for the development of my village and ensure that all the government welfare schemes are implemented,” said Priya.

On chances of winning, the 30-year-old said, “I was born and brought up in Rengali. People here know me from my childhood. I am requesting people to give me a chance.”

Priya, who is president of Rengali Block Kinnar Sangathan, is a Class 9 dropout.

The 30-year-old has been campaigning alone for now. But other transgenders are planning to campaign for Priya in Rengali in the coming days.