Kerala Assembly polls: First transgender candidate won't contest polls, allegations of intimidation

- Party leaders were forcing him to spread false propaganda against PK Kunhalikutty and criticize the Left government

New delhi date. Saturday, April 3, 2021

Ananya Kumari Alex, the first transgender candidate to contest the Kerala Assembly elections, has decided not to contest. According to Alex, she is not backing down from contesting the election. Alex accused the leaders of the Democratic Social Justice Party (DSJP) of torturing him and threatening to kill him. Because of this he has ended his election campaign even though the date for withdrawal of candidature has passed. Ananya Kumari is contesting on DSJP ticket.

Transgender candidate Ananya Kumari Alex was in the fray from Vengara constituency in Malappuram district of Kerala. Representing the UDF at the meeting are PK Kunhalikutty of the Indian Muslim League and a senior leader of the Left (LDF). According to Alex, party leaders were pressuring him to spread false propaganda against PK Kunhalikutty and criticize the Left government. Also party leaders were forcing him to stay behind the scenes during the election campaign. After this harassment he decided not to compromise with his self-esteem.

According to Alex, the party leaders used it. He has a prominent personality and his own opinion. Not ready to surrender himself. She was also threatened with death when she complained and was portrayed as a prostitute.

Alex said he decided to fight the election to ensure representation of transgender people. He is the first transgender radio jockey in Kerala. She has also been a makeup artist and news anchor for a private channel.