Only Transgender Contesting Kerala Election Withdraws, Says Was Being Harassed: What We Know

Last month, Anannyah Kumari Alex had created history by becoming the first transgender to contest assembly elections in Kerala.

Anannyah, who is a makeup artist by profession had filed her nomination from Vengara constituency in Malappuram district as the candidate of Democratic Social Justice Party (DSJP).

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She was contesting against IUML heavyweight and UDF nominee P K Kunhalikutty.

Last minute withdrawal

But on Thursday, with just a couple of days to go for the vote, Anannyah has announced that she is withdrawing from the polls.

She made the announcement on Facebook and said that she felt cheated and was being used by the party for publicity by fielding her, a native of Kollam, in Vengara against Kunhalikutty.

Anannyah also alleged that she was harassed by the party leaders after she refused to wear purdah (burqa) during the election campaign, which she refused.

In her Facebook post announcing the withdrawal, Anannyah had claimed that she will reveal more details about the conspiracy, she is yet to speak out.

Not our candidate

The party however rejected the allegations and in a statement said that Anannyah was not their official candidate.

Though she has withdrawn from the election, Anannyah's name will still be on the list of candidates as the official date for withdrawing the nomination has expired.

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Earlier, Anannyah said she is happy and proud to represent her marginalised community in this election and her candidature was not intended to create any history.

"But, it is part of my fight to ensure gender equality in all areas. Good leaders are inevitable to create a good society. I am sure transgenders can be much better leaders than men and women," she said.