Bobi was only 15 when her family handed her over to a guruji from the transgender community under societal pressure. Now, more than 20 years later, the AAP’s first transgender candidate wants to beautify her constituency and improve the lives of her neighbours. The candidate from Sultanpur Majra Vidhan Sabha under SC-10, 43 A, inspired by and having participated in Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement and wants to weed out corruption from the municipal corporation of Delhi.
Bobi told, “I was associated with the Anna movement. At that time, I was inspired that a man in his 70s was sitting in a protest against corruption. I was also part of that movement.” She also has bigger plans for her constituency. She said, “If I am elected, the beautification of parks that have been lying in disarray will be on top of my priority list. The area is dirty and I will also focus on cleaning it and getting rid of the garbage. Several people in my area still do not have access to food and clothing. So fulfilling those basic necessities will also be on my agenda.”
Bobi has long been associated with social work and has been helping children get admission into school. The 38-year-old has prior electoral experience, having contested the civic polls in 2017. The APP candidate feels confident about her chances, saying people have assured her that they would vote for her. The AAP’s performance in Delhi has added to that confidence. Speaking of her childhood and the impact of her mentor, Bobi said, “My guruji is no more but he was everything to me. Since the time I was handed over to guruji, I started dancing and singing to earn a living. When asked about why her family had to give her up, she said they had no choice.
She said a win for her would be good for the transgender community as well. She also said, “Society is changing and people from our community are being accepted. I have faced a lot of difficulties and hardships but now things are changing for the better. If I win polls, it will send a strong message and also encourage transgenders to come forward and make their mark.” Bobi shared that her nomination by the AAP had made her popular across the country. She said she was thankful to Arvind Kejriwal ji for showing faith in her and she hopes to ensure that she did not let him down.