After a brief stint with the BJP, transgender activist Apsara Reddy joined the AIADMK in the presence of party general secretary and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in Arakkonam on Tuesday. She accepted the party’s primary membership card along with several others who have also moved from other parties, from the Chief Minister.
In a statement, Ms. Reddy said the CM has been a source of inspiration since childhood. “As a woman, I stand for strategic, sensitive and no-nonsense type of leadership which only Amma provides,” she said. On why she left the BJP, she said, “I felt I was just a photo opportunity for them on Women’s Day. Later, I realised that I was dealing with people who lacked sensitivity or the warmth needed to build relationship with cadres, engage with the public and build the party. The State leadership needs to have a clearer vision. For me, I wanted to be part of a movement and a political force that is dedicated to the people of my State.”
