Meet the Trans Woman Who Is Contesting the Rajya Sabha Election to Fight for Transgender Rights

Meghna Sahoo is on a mission – she wants a seat in Rajya Sabha. Like others who will be contesting for a seat in the Upper House, she also has an agenda in her mind that she wants to champion if she wins the election. Like others who will be contesting, she too is seeking the endorsement of other political leaders in order to help her win.

Perhaps, the only thing that sets her apart from is that, her candidature is a path-breaking moment for the LGBTQ community in India – after all, she is a transgender woman herself.

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Meghna, flanked by other members of the transgender community, proudly walked in to the Odisha assembly secretariat, to purchase an election form for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha election.

Image for representation. Photo source: Wikimedia

Meghna has been quoted by Mint saying, “I will seek support of all parties including the ruling BJD. Today I met some leaders of BJP and Congress. Tomorrow I will try to meet chief minister.”

Her goal, if she were to win the election, would be to champion trans rights and improve the standing of the community in society. Armed with an MBA, she is sure that she will be able to make a difference.

You may also like: How a Group of Transgender Persons Adopted Trees to Save Them from the Axe in Mumbai

A vacant Rajya Sabha seat is now in contention from Odisha, ever since Bishnu Charan Das resigned from the Upper House this March. Meghna has an uphill battle to win the election, as the state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already endorsed PK Deb, a member of his party, for the coveted seat.

However, Meghna is determined to make a difference. The election is slated to be held this May.

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