KULDEEP KUMAR, the AAP candidate from East Delhi
What inspired you to join the Aam Aadmi Party?
A: I joined as an activist during the Anna Hazare movement, which sought to end corruption. Later, the Aam Aadmi Party emerged from that movement, and I continued my journey with the party.
Q: What can you do for issues like unemployment, education, and healthcare in the country?
A: Unemployment is a major issue in our country. Despite spending lakhs of rupees on their education, many educated youths are forced to take menial jobs. The government has not provided new job opportunities. The government’s promise of creating 2 crore jobs in 2014 hasn’t been met and 83 percent of educated youth remain unemployed. Small businesses are closing, leaving only a few big companies benefiting. We need better educational facilities, job opportunities, and robust healthcare.
Q: How will you work for the development of East Delhi if elected as an MP?
A: In the area I represent as an MLA (Mayur Vihar 3), there has been a demand for a Metro station, but the connectivity is lacking. I aim to improve infrastructure, establish libraries, and address the rising drug abuse among the youth. Additionally,
Q: What impact will Arvind Kejriwal’s imprisonment have on AAP’s prospects in the Lok Sabha elections?
A: Arvind Kejriwal is known for his honesty. People cannot believe that he is corrupt because he left his IRS job to serve the nation, unlike others who don’t even leave menial jobs. BJP wants to tarnish his honesty by using agencies like the ED. Earlier, Satyendra Jain, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh were also falsely implicated. These leaders have worked to improve healthcare and education in Delhi. After the revelation of the electoral bond issue, people became aware of BJP’s corruption. This time, all 7 MPs in Delhi will be from the INDIA alliance because people see how BJP is conspiring against opposition leaders using agencies.
Q: Initially, AAP rose to prominence by opposing the UPA, but now it seeks support from Congress and its allies. How far are
you willing to go to defeat the BJP?
A: Our goal is not just to defeat someone but to save the nation and its constitution. If democracy survives, we survive. If BJP comes to power again, they can change the constitution. BJP faces several corruption allegations. Moreover, many leaders who recently joined the party have been cleansed in the BJP’s ‘washing machine’. There is no action against them by the ED or CBI.
Q: If the INDIA Alliance wins the elections, how much influence will Arvind Kejriwal have?
A: We have a strong presence in the seats we are contesting. Besides, we are only contesting 20 seats. However, within the INDIA alliance, we have a special role. Both AAP and the other alliance parties prioritise the development of the people. Our agenda remains the same whether we win or lose — providing good education, and basic amenities to all, and ensuring MSP for farmers.
Q: What message do you want to convey to the voters in your area?
A: I have been a councillor for 3 years, and I hail from East Delhi. I know all the problems in the area. From 2014 to 2024, the BJP has betrayed the people of East Delhi. Both Mahesh Giri and Gautam Gambhir, the MPs, have not solved any problems in the area. If given the opportunity, I will always be ready to serve the people 24/7.