Bengaluru: Minority spaces shrinking under Modi, says Akkai Padmashali

Bengaluru: "Talking as a person and not an academician, as someone who was a sex worker and beggar for four years, being part of the Ambedkar Conference is huge for me," said Akkai Padmashali, noted transgender rights activist. While speaking to DC on the sidelines of the conference, she attacked the Modi Government for 'shrinking minority spaces'.

"As sexual minorities, we cannot come forward and assert our rights. The Indian Government has shrunk spaces for us, especially Transgender rights in Section 377. Here the Centre has its own agenda, rather than people's issues. I am against this," Akkai declared, adding that the Government cannot ignore the movement. What does she want for all genders, religious minorities, Dalits, sexual minorities, women, children and other marginalized groups? "I demand that a secular minority agenda be made all across. I suggest that all policies speak about sexual minorities,” the Rajyotsava award winner said.