First Kerala transgender candidate withdraws after receiving death threats, harassment

KERALA: Anannyah Kumari Alex, Kerala's transgender candidate who made history as the first transgender candidate to contest in the Kerala assembly polls, has decided to withdraw from the poll fray after she receiving death threats and harassment.

Alex (28), who is a candidate of the Democratic Social Justice Party (DSJP) alleged being mentally tortured and receiving death threats from party leaders.

The 28-year-old has decided to end her election campaign despite the fact that the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers has passed.

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Alex was nominated from the Vengara constituency in Kerala’s Malappuram district against senior leader PK Kunhalikutty of the Indian Union Muslim League.

According to reports, Alex said she was used by DSJP party leaders.

“They had some plan and a purpose for putting me in front of the line. But I didn't know that before. I have a personality and my viewpoints, which I am reluctant to give up,” she added.

She was threatened to kill by the leaders when she opposed them and also portrayed her as a prostitute and insulted her, she claimed.

"I wanted to contest the election to ensure that transgender people in Kerala were represented and treated equally. However, it was the party that instructed me to contest for the Vengara seat. Initially, it was not my choice," Alex added.

She is the first transgender radio jockey of Kerala. She also works as a news anchor for a private channel and is a professional makeup artist.

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