Jan Suraaj Party, led by political strategist Prashant Kishor, has unveiled Preeti Kinnar, a transgender woman, as its candidate for the Bhorey constituency in Bihar’s Gopalganj for the upcoming assembly elections. The party, contesting its first election, announced a diverse lineup of 51 candidates on Thursday, including doctors, lawyers, and retired officials, but Preeti’s nomination stands out as a bold step toward inclusivity.

Preeti, a social activist from Kalyanpur village in Bhore block, has long been dedicated to addressing local issues. She now faces a formidable opponent in Sunil Kumar, the sitting MLA and Bihar’s education minister. Jan Suraaj believes Preeti’s deep connection to her community will resonate with voters, allowing her to effectively represent their concerns in the state assembly.

Kishor, in an NDTV interview, emphasized that his candidates were selected for their commitment to public service. “If you don’t vote for such people, it’s a burden on the people of Bihar, not me,” he stated, positioning his party as a fresh alternative in a crowded political landscape.

Also Read: PM Modi’s 2014 Strategist Turns Politician: Prashant Kishor Enters Bihar Battle

The party’s roster also includes luminaries like KC Sinha, a renowned mathematician and former Patna University Vice Chancellor, whose textbooks are a staple in Bihar’s schools, and YB Giri, a former Additional Advocate General and Additional Solicitor General of India, contesting from Manjhi.

Transgender candidates in India have faced significant hurdles in elections, with many struggling to secure substantial votes. Earlier this year, an independent transgender candidate in Delhi’s assembly polls garnered just 85 votes, while three transgender candidates in last year’s Lok Sabha elections lost their security deposits. Preeti’s candidacy, however, signals a potential shift, as Jan Suraaj bets on her grassroots activism to challenge the status quo in Bihar’s political arena.

Also Read: Prashant Kishor Rejects Alliance With Chirag Paswan, Vows Solo Fight