Kamla Bua, the first transgender in the country to be elected as head of a civic body, is all set to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Sagar parliamentary constituency as an Independent candidate. “The people of Sagar can’t get more honest, bold and dedicated representative than Kamla Bua,” the former Mayor told Free Press over phone.
Kamla Bua had come into limelight in 2009, when Bua was elected Mayor of the Sagar Municipal Corporation with a huge victory margin. It was Bua’s popularity that all the other candidates – including those of the BJP and the Congress – had lost their deposits.
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When asked whether Bua approached any political party for ticket, the politico said that on the contrary, parties had approached Bua. The Samajwadi Party (SP) and Samanya Picchda Evum Alpasankhayak Varg Adhikari Karmachari Sanatha (SAPAKS) wanted to field Bua as their candidate. “Heerlal Trivedi was very keen that I should be his party’s candidate,” Bua said.
However, the former mayor turned down the twin offers. In fact, Bua has disdain for established political parties. “Parties run on funds. And I lack money. And even if I had money, I would have preferred to spend it on the poor, rather than give it to any political party,” Bua said.
Kamla Bua said that people from all parts of the constituency were visiting her everyday requesting her to contest the Lok Sabha polls. “People are coming from Bina, Naryawali and all other areas. Even now, around 150 persons are sitting in my home,” the transgender added. Kamla Bua said that once the two major parties announce their candidates, she too would formally announce her candidature.
Asked about the issues she would be seeking votes, Bua said unemployment was the key issue. “Youth are sitting at home after obtaining degrees. They have become a burden on their parents,” the social activist said. Bua also said that an airport for the city and better railway facilities for the constituency would be other issues she would be focusing. “We would also work for better educational facilities,” Bua added.
