Prayagraj, March 29: Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2019, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced that the party has decided to field its first transgender candidate for Uttar Pradesh elections. Mahamandaleshwar Bhawani Nath Valmiki, a member of 'Kinnar Akhada', will contest from Prayagraj, earlier known as Allahabad. AAP Launches Campaign Song for Demand of Full Statehood to Delhi Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2019 (Watch Video).

Confirming the same, AAP in a tweet said, "Transgender Chirpi Bhawani will be our candidate for the upcoming Loksabha elections from Prayagraj. Lets make an India where this isn't an exception but a daily norm. #LoksabhaElections2019."

Tweet by AAP:

In an interview, Bhawani said that BJP has treated the Transgender community like beggars. "Being transgender, we suffered a lot. BJP has treated us like beggars. But it was Arvind Kejriwal and his party who fought for our rights. AAP stood with us when no one else did. AAP is a progressive party in a true sense." Arvind Kejriwal Faces Police Complaint 'For Hurting Hindu Sentiments' by Sharing 'Swastika Meme' on Twitter.

Tweet by AAP:

Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh hoped that if Valmiki wins she will become the first transgender to be the MP. Making a scathing attack on BJP, Singh said, "BJP has insulted the transgender community by bringing a derogatory bill (Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Bill, 2016) against them. The AAP has utmost respect for the community and this move of ours proves it."

Meanwhile, Polling in Uttar Pradesh will begin on April 11. The elections will take place in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. The counting of votes will be on May 23.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 29, 2019 08:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).