Teams in the Velachery zone will be led by a transwoman

M Radha, a transwoman of 56 years old who stood as an independent in the last Lok Sabha election, will oversee voters as the polling officer for the Velachery zone this time.

After attending an ECI-led training session, Radha shared her enthusiasm for her new position and that she was eager for election day. “I consider the transgender community as a whole to be honored, not just me. The other attendees at the ECI training session in Thiruvanmiyur stared at me with curiosity when I showed there. Many approached me and inquired whether I was also a poll worker. I stated proudly that I was,” she said.

In the 2019 local elections, Radha ran as an independent from the Chennai South seat and received 1,042 votes. She began serving on the state transgender welfare board in 2022, and as of right now, she is employed by the Chennai collectorate’s district social welfare office as an assistant.

She said that in addition to fresh knowledge, the task also brings recognition. “Everyone engaged with me in such a positive way during training, and I learned so many new things about managing people.”

I’ve been able to positively influence how the general public views the trans community because to this chance,” she stated. She emphasized further that she decided to run in the prior LS and Assembly elections in an effort to alter public opinion and create a more welcoming society.

“It is a great thing she has been appointed as a polling officer,” said J Radhakrishnan, the election officer for the Chennai district.

“I was a cook once.” I’m currently advancing toward the life I want for myself. I am an inspiration to other people in my community, which is a major accomplishment for me, Radha remarked.