Ramakka, only third gender candidate in fray, keen to fight discrimination

Ramakka T
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Ramakka T., a candidate of the Desh Prem Party who has filed her nomination papers for the Kampli Assembly constituency in Ballari district, is the only third gender candidate contesting in the Karnataka Assembly elections this time.

Ms. Ramakka, 59, a local of Badanahatti village in Kurugod taluk of Ballari district, instructed The Hindu that rampant gender discrimination prevailing in society, particularly in opposition to the transgender group, had motivated her to enter ballot fray.

Ms. Ramakka is a Jogathi and leads a group of 10 conventional Jogathi dancers. They take part in numerous non-public and authorities programmes. “We earn about ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per performance and split it between us,” she mentioned. “But work is not regular and we have no choice but to beg when there is no work.” She added that she takes care of her 107-year-old mom in her native village.

Lack of labor

“We [transpersons] beg at traffic signals, shops, and on pavements for our survival. We are ready to work hard and earn a living. But none give us work. Joblessness has forced us to resort to begging for survival. We don’t get a house for rent even though we are ready to pay the rent. You cannot understand the sorrows and sufferings of the transgender community. The plight of my community provoked me to enter the poll fray with the hope that I can address the issue of my community,” Ms. Ramakka instructed The Hindu.

“I am aware that only those who have money and muscle power and strong support of the community can win elections. But still, I want to test my luck. I hope Goddess Munirabad Huligemma is with us. My fight is for my community. There are a number of people other than transpersons who have extended support to me. I will take them along and go for my poll campaign,” she mentioned.