Summary:
In a first for Karnataka, a transgender woman has been elected unopposed president of a gram panchayat (GP) in Mysuru district.
Devika, who belongs to a scheduled caste community, was elected member of the Saligrama GP on December 30 and on Wednesday, became its president.
In a first for Karnataka, a transgender woman has been elected unopposed president of a gram panchayat (GP) in Mysuru district.
Devika, who belongs to a scheduled caste community, was elected member of the Saligrama GP on December 30 and on Wednesday, became its president.
“My priorities are providing quality education and healthcare for locals.
I want to improve the local infrastructure through funds available in the GP,” said the 46-year-old.
The Saligrama GP has 30 members.
Devika won as an independent from ward number 7 which was reserved for SC women.
Canvassing on her own, without the support of any groups or local panels formed by various parties, she secured 115 votes, winning by a margin of five votes.
Born and brought up in Chunchanakatte, Devika moved to Saligrama four years ago in search of a livelihood.
“I lost my parents 20 years ago.
I had no plans to contest the the GP elections or the presidential election,” she said.