Mahno Mahant makes history as first third-gender candidate in Phagwara MC election

Mahno Mahant, a 53-year-old third-gender candidate, made history by filing her nomination papers for the Municipal Corporation election in Phagwara’s Ward 27. Mahant, who is contesting as an Independent candidate, was driven to run after being denied tickets by BJP in 2014 and AAP this year, despite initial assurances.

Mahant, a resident of CRP Colony in Urban Estate Phagwara and the founder of “Gauri Shankar Mandir”, aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by third-gender individuals, including the lack of separate civic amenities and social acceptance. She emphasised the need for a national trans-gender commission to address these issues and ensure basic rights, such as separate washrooms and job reservations.

Mahant also expressed her desire to open a school for underprivileged students and became emotional as she spoke about her three brothers living in a nearby village. Paramjit Kaur, a housewife who proposed Mahant’s name, was also present during the nomination filing.