Politics might be a happenstance for GIRISH SONI, not so his purpose
It’s nothing short of a fairytale for 49-year-old Girish Soni, the Minister of labour and SC/ST department. Hailing from a modest background, Soni had have never dreamt that one day he would be catapulted in the corridors of power as a Minister. He appears calm, poised and grateful to the aam aadmi for entrusting him with such a huge responsibility. He has, however, social equality and skill development high on agenda as he assumes his office. In a conversation with Aditi Gupta, Soni shared his thoughts and experiences through the journey
What plans do you have when it comes to addressing the grievances of the working classIJ
We are committed to make contractual labourers permanent. There is a large workforce of contractual labourers engaged with various departments for the past many years but they are denied the perks and salaries, given the nature of their job.
What prompted you to join the Aam Aadmi PartyIJ
My father was an active member of CPM which stoked my interest in the political system. But I didn’t have a proper platform to do something for society and Arvind’s (Kejriwal) approach and the birth of AAP made me feel an instant connect with the party and their ideology. I felt it is a fair party which was fighting with the issues that focus on the need of the common people.
Did you ever think you would contest any electionIJ
No. I never dreamt of contesting elections. I joined the party to work for the betterment of society but never thought I would fight the polls and win.
What are the problems in your constituencyIJ
My constituency (Madipur) needs
hospitals and dispensaries on an urgent basis. Besides that other main issues here are sewerage, parking and broken roads. Roads are in a complete mess here and have been so always. They will be repaired as soon as possible.
Why do you think the people of your constituency voted for youIJ
They have faith in me. (His wife intervenes) People felt the wave of change with the advent of AAP and because he is associated with it, everybody is hopeful for a positive change.
What qualities of yours impressed AAP leaders to make you a MinisterIJ
I don’t know. They must have observed and liked something in me because of which they considered me worthy of being a Cabinet Minister and a party member.
Will you be contesting lok Sabha electionIJ
No. I do not have any ambitions for the General Elections. I don’t see myself contesting the lok Sabha polls. Rest is up to the party, I will do what they suggest.
What were you doing before joining the partyIJ
I have a business of leather manufacturing and the factory is in Madipur. But it has taken a backseat because of elections.
How long do you think your Government will surviveIJ
It is the people’s Government and they will not be disappointed.
Tell us about your family.
My wife Mamata Soni is a Masters, B.Ed graduate who has stood by me in business as well as elections. I have three children — two daughters and a son. My eldest daughter Priyanshu is married and is pursuing German Honours from DU, while my second daughter Dipanshu is pursuing English Honours from Janaki Devi College. My son Harsh is studying in Class VII.
Have you had an encounter with a corrupt officialIJ
Yes. There have been plenty of them. For instance, a policeman broke the leg of an old man who refused to give him hafta (protection money). I took it up and lodged complaints against him after which he was suspended. There is a dire need to end such practices.