Kochi: Members of the transgender community from different parts of Kerala have joined the BJP, expressing support for the welfare initiatives undertaken for them by the Mumbai-based Prateeksha Fountation.
For the past three years, the foundation has been carrying out various welfare programmes for the transgender community in Kerala. In 2023, an Onam celebration was organised at the Thiruvambady Temple Auditorium where Onam Sadhya and Onakodi were distributed to members of the community. Around 150 people attended the function, with Suresh Gopi participating as the chief guest.
In 2024, on Kerala Piravi Day in Kochi, Suresh Gopi donated ₹12 lakh to Amrita Hospital to support surgeries for transgender persons. About ten individuals underwent surgery as part of the initiative. Those selected for surgery were blessed by Swami Poornamritananda at the hospital.
During the Avittam Day celebrations in 2025, another Onam distribution and Sadhya were organised for the transgender community at the Sree Moolam Club in Thiruvananthapuram, where Suresh Gopi personally served Sadhya to the participants. On the occasion, he also announced an additional ₹12 lakh to support further surgeries. However, the next phase has been delayed as the reimbursement expected from the government has not yet been received.
Prateeksha Foundation chairman K. B. Uttamkumar said that while several political parties have used the transgender community for political purposes, the BJP has recognised their identity and extended meaningful support. He added that many members of the community have expressed interest in joining the BJP but have faced difficulty travelling to Thiruvananthapuram, and that special programmes will soon be organised in each district to facilitate their participation.
Suresh Gopi has also assured that if the corporation allocates land in Thrissur, he will contribute ₹1 crore to establish a shelter centre for the transgender community. He further stated that he would request the Prime Minister to formulate welfare schemes for transgender people across the country.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has also assured support for initiatives aimed at the welfare and empowerment of the transgender community, Uttamkumar said.