First transgender candidate from Tamil Nadu looks for a miracle

Chennai, April 17, 2019:

At a time when all eyes in the nation are glued to the political heavyweights, a true underdog story truly touches the heart. The story of M Radha, the first transgender candidate in the fray for the Lok Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu, is the classic tale of an underdog.

The pioneer, who is contesting from Chennai South Constituency faces an uphill battle as it is the only constituency in the Tamil Nadu capital that will see a direct contest between arch-rivals, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and the Opposition DMK, the two strongest political forces in the Southern Indian State.

Despite having a Master's Degree in English literature, she did not proclaim it in her affidavit. The reason for this? "Because I am transgender nobody is giving me a job."

Radha is a home cook by profession, but she is also a crusader for transgender rights and a social worker who raises awareness about HIV.

Radha plans to meet over 12,000 people in the run-up to the election on 18 April. It may be mentioned that Radha's symbol is the computer mouse.

Despite facing a Herculean test for the Lok Sabha seat, she is not short of confidence. "I think I can do better than the current politicians", she says, in an interview.

The country will head to the polls for the second phase of voting in less than 24-hours. Ninety-five Constituencies are up for grabs in Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Union Territory Puducherry.