NCP Sets Up LGBT Cell In Mumbai, Claims To Be The First Such Indian Political Party

The National Congress Party (NCP) sets up its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) cell on Monday. The political party claims to be the first party in the country to take such a step. The state chief of the party Jayant Patil and Member of Parliament Supriya Sule launched the functioning cell in Mumbai and also pitched for giving equal treatment to the LGBT community. Priya Patil, a transgender activist has been appointed as the state unit head for the cell.

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"The NCP was the first to set up Yuvati (young women) cell. Now, it has set up LGBT cell to do justice to the deprived section," a party statement mentioned Jayant Patil. Apart from Priya Patil, the cell will have 13 other office-bearers. As per the state unit head, the cell will work towards equality and will ensure that the community members get their rights.

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Supriya Sule said, “ We felt LGBT community needs equal rights, so we made a separate cell for them."

NCP becomes 1st political party in India to have a LGBT cell. NCP Maharashtra President Jayant Patil & MP Supriya Sule formally launch the functioning of the LGBT cell in Mumbai.

"We felt LGBT community needs equal rights, so we made a separate cell for them.", said Supriya Sule pic.twitter.com/pL8a5YMmQL

— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2020

Priya Patil is a transgender activist who joined NCP. Ms. Patil contested the 2017 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections as an independent candidate. While joining the party she said, “Representing the community will always be my priority. But there are issues such as unemployment – both within the community as well as at large – that need to be addressed. I will use the strategies of the party for working on our and everybody’s issues.”

Arunima Sharma is an intern with SheThePeople.TV