Kathmandu (Pahichan) November 22 – Though Sunil Babu Pant became member of Constituent Assembly (CA), however, no one from this community has chosen to go for election. Pinky Gurung, Chairman of Blue Diamond Society has been nominated as candidate under Proportional Representation (PR) category.

She was nominated by Naya Shakti Nepal Party. Panta played a vital role in first CA election to ensure the rights of gender and sexual minority. “I am transgender women, I got opportunity in federal parliament and provincial assembly elections,” said Gurung.

She disclosed her identity at the age of 29. Gurung is active in politics since the establishment of Naya Shakti party. The opportunity provided by Naya Shaki made her happy and she planned to work for the welfare of this community. “The population of this community is nearly one million which constitute 8.1 percent to total population,” said Gurung.  Naya Shakti Nepal leader Hishila Yami said Pinky is a capable candidate stating that her party believes in diversity.

“The social perspectives towards transgender should be changed. Society should understand that they are like male and female. We provide space with a view that society should accept this community,” said Yami. According to list provided by Election Commission, the name of Gurung is listed at 34074 numbers. Naya Shakti has recommended the name of 329.

Madhav Dulal, Editor of Pahichan Media said that Pinky’s candidacy would be helpful to this community. “Members of this community know that law and rights could be secured only after joining politics. “They are raising voices for their rights. Naya Shakti has helped them,” Dulal said. Only Naya Shaki Nepal and Nepali Congress have incorporated the issues of transgender in their election manifesto. CPN-UML and RPP have not provided opportunities to this community.

UML betrayed : Shilpa Chaudhary  

In 2013, one thousand transgender joined CPN-UML. Senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal took a lead. At that time, Nepal has said that UML would serve as guardian of LGTBI. Transgender leader Shilpa Chaudhary has said that UML betrayed them. Shilpa said UML did not include her name in PR list though local party committee recommended her Nepal. She expressed sadness stating that country’s largest party neglected this community. In Dang alone, there are 1200 transgender.

Naya Shakti will get six lakh votes

Central Secretariat member of Naya Shakti Nepal Pinky Gurung said Naya Shakti Nepal would receive six lakh voters. Gurung said even the members of other parties will vote for Naya Shakti. She expressed happiness for selecting as PR candidate. “I am picked under PR category which has made me happy but I am not saying that I should be selected,” said Gurung. Even if not selected, she said that she would continue to work in the party.