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Eunuch wins Indian state election

NEW DELHI: India's Chief Election Commissioner, M S Gill, offered congratulations on Saturday to the first eunuch ever to win election to a state legislature.

Shabnam Mausi (Shabnam Aunty), an independent candidate from the sprawling central state of Madhya Pradesh, won a seat from Sohagpur constituency on Friday.

"Her election strengthens my belief and faith in Indian democracy," Gill said.

"I will write personally to Shabnam Mausi for her handsome victory which has been possible because of strong civilisation positiveness of the Indian people. Indian democracy really works," he said.

'Mausi' defeated the sitting candidate from India's main opposition Congress party by 17,863 votes. The Madhya Pradesh state legislature is ruled by the Congress party.

Eunuchs consider themselves neither men nor women, but members of a 'third set'. However, they generally adopt feminine names and dress. There are an estimated 1.2 million eunuchs scattered around the country. AFP