First third-gender candidate files nomination in Phagwara MC
In a historic move, 53-year-old Mahno Mahant filed her nomination papers today to contest the Municipal Corporation elections from Ward No. 27 as an Independent candidate. Mahant, a resident of CRP Colony in Urban Estate, Phagwara, is making history as the first third-gender candidate to run in the city’s municipal elections.
Speaking to The Tribune at the SDM office, Mahant shared her reasons for running. She revealed that she was allegedly deceived by the BJP in the 2014 elections when, despite assurances from former Union Minister Som Parkash, she was denied a BJP ticket. Similarly, after being allegedly promised a ticket by AAP leader Lalita Saklani, Mahant said she was once again denied the opportunity, prompting her to contest independently.
Mahant emphasised that her candidacy was aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by the third-gender community, particularly the lack of separate civic amenities and the need for greater social acceptance and legal rights. She called for the establishment of a national transgender commission to address basic needs such as separate washrooms, priority in queues at government offices and at least one percent reservation in jobs and education.
She also urged political parties to provide opportunities for the third gender to contribute to society and serve in leadership roles. In addition to her political aspirations, Mahant expressed a desire to open a school for underprivileged students.
Mahant mentioned her three brothers who lived in the nearby Chachoki village. Paramjit Kaur, a housewife who proposed Mahant’s candidacy, was also present during the nomination filing.
Mahant, who runs the Gauri Shankar Mandir in Phagwara, said that she was determined to bring attention to the issues faced by her community and pave the way for social and political change.
