Examining the Silence of Political Parties on LGBTQIA+ Rights in India: A Critical Analysis of Election Manifestoes

The upcoming Indian general election in 2024 is not just a significant event for Indian politics but also for global society and world politics. As the political parties gear up for the electoral debate, one crucial aspect that needs attention is their stance on LGBTQIA+ rights in India.

The LGBTQIA+ community has long been marginalized and discriminated against in India, facing invisibility and oppression. The recent suicide of LGBTQIA+ activist Kishor Kumar in Kerala highlights the toxic environment that many queer individuals have to endure in the country.

Despite some progress, such as the decriminalization of homosexuality by the Supreme Court in 2018, the LGBTQIA+ community in India still lacks basic rights and recognition. The Yogyakarta Principles, which affirm the human rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, have not been fully implemented in the country.

As the major political parties in India release their election manifestoes for the 2024 general elections, it is disheartening to see the lack of emphasis on LGBTQIA+ rights. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has shown little interest in addressing the issues faced by the queer community, while the Congress party has made some promises but falls short on key issues like marriage equality and conversion therapy.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have shown some support for LGBTQIA+ rights, but their commitments lack clarity and depth. Overall, the silence of the political parties on LGBTQIA+ issues speaks volumes about the apathy and indifference of the political class towards the queer community in India.

As the election campaign progresses, it is essential for political leaders to prioritize inclusion and equality for all individuals, including LGBTQIA+ people. The lack of attention to LGBTQIA+ rights in the electoral discourse is a stark reminder of the long road ahead in achieving true equality and justice for the queer community in India.

In the words of Faisal C.K and Parth Raman, the Indian LGBTQIA+ person is like “an infant crying in the night, crying for the light.” It is time for political parties to listen to their cries and take concrete actions to ensure their rights and dignity are protected.