Bihar transgender community proposes temple dedicated to PM Modi

By: Amarnath Tewary — Patna

The transgender community in Bihar on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) sought to dedicate a temple to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing his role in granting the community “respect and rights.” The proposal was approved during the maiden meeting of the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, held the same day.

The Board, which operates under the State government’s Social Welfare Department, was constituted in August 2025 to protect the rights of the transgender community and to promote its social development and empowerment.

“Since the transgender community in Bihar does not have a temple of its own, I proposed to build a temple for Prime Minister Narendra Modi because he gave us respect and rights. The proposal received the support of all Board members and was approved today,” said Board member Ranjan Singh.

Population Data and Discrepancies

According to the 2011 census, Bihar has a transgender population of 40,827. However, the State government’s caste survey conducted in 2022 recorded only 825 individuals — approximately 0.0006% of the State’s total population of over 13.7 crore. The community has strongly disputed this figure, arguing that many members remained “uncounted and unregistered.” Community sources estimate the actual unenumerated transgender population in the State to be around three lakh.

Recent Milestones

• The State government, following legal directives, has begun recruiting transgender candidates into the police force. Some members made headlines in recent years after joining as sub-inspectors.
• Wednesday’s meeting was the first of the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board following the enactment of the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Act, 2019, which provides the community with institutional representation in the State secretariat, according to Mr. Singh.

Political and Social Developments

In the 2025 Assembly Elections, Priti Kinnar, 41, a member of the community, contested from the Bhore constituency in Gopalganj district on a ticket from Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party (JSP). She lost the election.

In July 2023, Reshma Prasad and her organisation, Dostana Safar, opened Bihar’s first transgender-run restaurant, Satrangi Dostana Restro, in Patna.

“The situation of transgender community members in a State like Bihar is not good at all. They need support from both the government and the public for their welfare and empowerment,” said a community member who requested anonymity.