Transgender Mahamandaleshwar Hemangi Sakhi challenges PM Modi in Varanasi

In Varanasi, Himangi Sakhi is getting ready to compete in the Lok Sabha elections representing the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM), challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was shared by ABHM President Swami Chakrapani with the media.

ABHM’s Uttar Pradesh division has put forward candidates for 20 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with Sakhi joining in to support transgender rights. Sakhi holds the distinction of being the first transgender narrator of the Bhagavad Gita globally, as per her Facebook page.

She has delivered many religious talks on texts like the Bhagvat Katha, Ram Katha, and Devi Bhagvat Katha at different places around the world. Sakhi’s devotion to Lord Krishna began at the ISKCON temple near her home in Mumbai.

The Election Commission of India reported a rise in registered third-gender voters to 48,044 in 2024, compared to 39,683 in 2019.

Meanwhile, Ajai Rai will be challenging PM Modi on the Congress ticket. PM Modi has represented Varanasi since 2014, and the election is set for June.

Sakhi was bestowed the title of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar at the Kumbh Mela in February 2019. She was honored with the title of Bhagwatbhushan Mahamandaleshwar by the Akhil Bharatiya Sadhu Samaj, and later recognized as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar by the Adya Shankar Kailash Peeth in Uttar Godavari Dham.

Repurposed article originally from published Dailyhunt