New Delhi, March 16: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar revealed that a significant milestone has been reached in the inclusion of marginalized communities in the electoral process. Over 48,000 transgender individuals have been identified as eligible voters for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing the press conference in New Delhi to unveil the schedule for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, Kumar highlighted that out of a total of 97 crore registered voters, the transgender community constitutes a significant portion.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the number of transgender voters stood at 39,075. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of transgender voters at 7,797, followed by Tamil Nadu with 5,793 and Karnataka with 4,826. Notably, several states and Union territories still lack transgender voters, including Arunachal Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Goa, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
The Election Commission has undertaken commendable efforts to uphold its principle of “no voter left behind.” Encouraging the participation of all sections of society in the electoral process has been a priority. The enrollment of transgender individuals in the electoral rolls and the promotion of their engagement in elections have posed significant challenges. However, through various awareness campaigns and initiatives, there has been a notable increase in the number of transgender electors.
The upcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in seven phases, will commence with voting for 102 seats on April 19. The counting of votes is slated for June 4, marking a crucial moment in India’s democratic process.
In conclusion, the inclusion of over 48,000 transgender individuals as eligible voters in the Lok Sabha elections is a testament to the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring the representation of all segments of society in the democratic process.
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