For the last thirty years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has maintained a stronghold in the Dhanbad Lok Sabha Constituency. Securing victory in consecutive terms during the 2009, 2014, and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party has dominated the political landscape in the region.
Yet, as the upcoming general elections loom, the ruling party encounters a fresh contender in the form of Sunaina Singh. A 35-year-old transgender woman, she seeks to challenge the established order in India’s coal capital, Dhanbad.
Sunaina Singh, aged 35, serves as the district president of the ‘Kinnar Maa Trust’ and is an activist for transgender rights. She is currently running for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to transform the status quo and improve the prospects of the crucial constituency. According to her, the area has become plagued by corruption, crime, and poverty.
Sunaina’s life story, marked by abandonment at birth by her biological parents, resonates with many others within the transgender community. She was embraced by the community, who provided care and facilitated her education. Following her initial schooling, Singh pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from P K Roy Memorial College in Dhanbad.
“After being abandoned at birth, I was taken in by the state president of our community, who cared for me. I faced discrimination while seeking employment in Delhi. Eventually, I returned to Dhanbad with the determination to serve the constituents,” Sunaina shared with PTI.
When questioned about her decision to enter the political arena, Sunaina emphasized the dire situation prevailing in Dhanbad, characterized by poverty, corruption, crime, and unemployment. Her goal is to address these pressing issues.
“Dhanbad, despite being a major coal supplier, has seen little to no development. Incidents of murder and extortion have escalated significantly. My objectives are clear. I intend to enhance educational standards and foster employment opportunities. The unemployment rate in Dhanbad is alarmingly high, with even educated youths struggling to secure jobs,” remarked the 35-year-old.
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of combatting corruption, which she views as a significant impediment to the state’s progress.
“I am determined to combat corruption, which stands as a major obstacle to the state’s advancement,” Singh affirmed to PTI.
Sunaina Singh, who actively advocates for the upliftment of transgender individuals in the state, voiced concern over the prevailing inequality faced by the transgender community.
Regarding her campaign funding strategy, Sunaina disclosed that both transgender individuals and the general public have been contributing donations to support her electoral endeavors.
On Tuesday, Sunaina officially declared her candidacy from Dhanbad. She will be running for the elections under the banner of the Uttar Pradesh-based Naqi Bhartiya Ekta Party (NBEP). Singh initially planned to run as an independent candidate but later received an offer to contest from the NBEP led by Chaudhary Zarar Ahmed Naqi.
