First transgender candidate pulls out of Kerala assembly polls, says facing discrimination from party

Anannyah Kumari Alex, the first transgender candidate to fight the Kerala Assembly polls, backed out of the contest as the Democratic Social Justice Party (DSJP) nominee on Saturday alleging that she is facing stigma, gender discrimination and sexual harassment from her own party.

Alex, who was in the poll fray from Vengara constituency in Malappuram district, said she filed a police complaint against the DSJP and the leaders who harassed her.

"I withdrew because I am facing stigma, gender discrimination and sexual harassment from the Democratic Social Justice Party. They are trying to play with me to get more publicity. They had some plans and reasons for putting me in the front," she told .

"They compelled me to talk bad things against PK Kunhalikutty, who is the candidate in Vengara constituency from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). They compelled me to talk bad things against the present government. They were also compelled me to wear a 'pardah' or a 'burkha' at campaigning time. I denied this. Following this, a few party members told me that they will finish me and spoil my career," she alleged.

Alex appealed to the people of Kerala to not vote for the DSJP.

"Don't vote for DSJP. I am not a part of DSJP anymore. Officially, I am not the party's candidate. I have stopped my campaigning in Vengara. I faced sexual harassment, verbal harassment and gender harassment. My health is not in a good situation. Hope, I will get justice soon," she said.

The 28-year-old, Anannyah, has decided to end her election campaign even though the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers has already passed.

Elections for 140-member Kerala Assembly will be held in a single phase on April 6. The counting of votes will be held on May 2.

( With inputs from ANI )