Aam Aadmi Party candidate from North-East Delhi Parliamentary constituency PROF ANAND KUMAR began his political journey in 1964 with inspiration from eminent socialist leader Dr Ram Manohar lohia and in the 70s received guidance from loknayak Jayprakash Narayan. He is widely known for taking active part in various social movements ranging from Socialist movement, JP movement, Anti-Emergency movement to lokshakti Abhiyan, Samajwadi Abhiyan Jan lokpal movement etc. In a conversation with RAJESH KUMAR, he listed his priorities for the constituency.
North-East district of Delhi is listed among 90 minority districts in India. As MP candidate of AAP from North-East constituency of Delhi, how will your candidature make a differenceIJ
This area has been subject to gross neglect and indifference by successive regimes of Congress and BJP. Minority districts have several special provisions and budget allocations that have remained unimplemented, thanks to a lack of initiative by the sitting MP. Because of no healthcare facility in the vicinity, women have to travel long distances. There are hardly any public community halls for weddings. There are no burial grounds for the dead. I’ll also seek to fulfil a long-standing aspiration of residents to have an East Delhi campus of Delhi University. For the youth, I intend starting a career counselling centre in Delhi University; ensure free coaching classes for members of SCs and minorities, opening skill development centres for increased employability.
This seems to be a tall order. What is your action plan to get these doneIJ
I agree that these initiatives entail a lot of coordination and public participation. I’ll try developing a task force involving people representatives and people in the area to implement these ideas. I intend raising an idea exchange platform wherein Councillors, MlAs, officials of the Government of India, NCTD, MCD, NGOs and other enlightened citizenry of the area will join to periodically debate application of best practices, local issues and their solutions. The platform will also act as a research and documentation cell for the district.
People see you more of an academician. What are your political credentialsIJ
I come from a family of illustrious freedom fighters. I am a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Jayprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar lohia. I was president of students’ unions of JNU and BHU and was active in Indians for Democracy group at Chicago.
Do you find a political swing in favour of AAPIJ
Kejriwal’s Gujarat tour was AAP’s tipping point. After Kejriwal’s Gujarat visit, Muslims voters — traditional votebank of Congress party — seem to be rallying behind AAP as a viable alternative. This is apparent in the several election meets organised by the minority community where several Muslim leaders have exhorted their brethren to vote for AAP en bloc.