In a landmark moment for gender inclusivity, two transgender women have received official approval to contest in Kerala’s upcoming local body elections from women’s reserved seats. The move marks a progressive step in the state’s democratic landscape.

Eligibility questioned

In Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayat’s Pothencode Division, Ameya Prasad, a Congress-led UDF candidate, initially faced legal and procedural concerns. Her voter list mentioned “transgender,” raising doubts about whether she could contest in a women’s reserved seat.

The High Court ruled that the Returning Officer had the authority to decide eligibility. Following scrutiny of Ameya’s official documents, all of which recognise her as a woman, the nomination was confirmed valid. Ameya called the approval a victory fo

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