Congress appoints the first transgender office bearer in its 133 year-old history

Guwahati: Bringing a revolution into the Indian politics, the Indian National Congress on Tuesday, appointed the first ever transgender national level office-bearer of the country. Transgender activist Apsara Reddy is appointed as the general secretary of the women’s wing of Congress and with this, Apsara becomes the first transgender member in Congress’ 133-year-old history.

Before being shot to fame, Apsara has been a well-known transgender journalist and activist. She is now appointed as the national general secretary of the All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) by party president Rahul Gandhi. Rahul bestowed her with the new role and responsibilities in presence of Lok Sabha MP and AIMC chief Sushmita Dev.

Apsara, at many times, has been able to catch the attention through her social activist nature as she has also taken up sensitive issues like that of child rape. However, before being a part of Congress, Apsara was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

Lauding the Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi for welcoming Apsara to his party, Sushmita Dev stated that the dynamic nature and popularity of the social activist will be of great advantage for his party. She also added that she will be an asset for the party’s women’s wing.

She said, “I thank Rahul Gandhi ji for accepting her as a member of the INC India family.”

Accepting her new position and recognition as a part of the Congress party, Reddy said, “I will meet with a cross-section of women to address issues pertaining to their rights.”

She further added that she will work with the Congress’ Mahila state unit’s across India towards women’s economic empowerment and will deliver her service for fighting against social injustices. This will further help women find their human rights and help contribute to the Congress party’s manifesto with women-centric policies.

The National Congress party, with this new appointment, is expected to bring a revolution into women’s politics in India and is hoped that other political parties will also start realizing the worth of the other genders who too deserve to be a part of the country politics.

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