New Delhi: For the first time in general elections, the transgender voters are excited about casting their votes under their chosen gender identity. The transgender voters in the national capital flaunted their inked fingers and expressed hope for a government which ensures them a better future.
Reportedly, this is the first time that transgenders are casting their votes under the category after the Apex Court had declared them as the "third gender" in 2014. Earlier they had to cast their votes as male or female.
According to news agency PTI, a 32-year-old Janasheen said that it was an incredible experience, "I have voted before but this is the first time I am voting as a transgender, an identity which I am proud of now. I have also posted a selfie on my WhatsApp status with my inked finger.".
Meanwhile, another transgender, Sapna Bai, who cast her vote in Matia Mahal said that she was very happy that she could cast her vote as what she really is. She wants a new government which thinks about them and also consider them equally on their agenda.
Another Tughlakabad resident, a transgender told PTI that she was happy to be exercising her franchise for the first time saying the society and the government have acknowledged their community as the third gender.
She alleged that they have been neglected repeatedly by consecutive governments for quite a long time and their condition in the society is pathetic. She added, they have managed to secure this right after a long battle and will vote for the party which will work for our rights and for improving our condition.
All seven constituencies of Delhi voted on Sunday. Reportedly, as per the Delhi Chief Electoral officer, a total of 660 transgenders were eligible to cast their vote besides 78,49,947 male and 64,21,283 female voters.