‘Why should I counter BJP lies on tukde-tukde?’

HAVING BEGUN his political journey at Jawaharlal Nehru University, shot to limelight as the original face of “the tukdetukde gang”, and contested a failed lo ks ab ha poll as ac pi candidate from Bi h arin 2019, Kanhaiya Kumar is now the Congress candidate from the North East Delhi Lok Sabha seat. He is facing a tough contest in the seat against two-time sitting BJP Mp and fellow poor van ch ali face, Manoj Tiwari. In an interview, Kanhaiya talks about his candidature and challenges in the polls. Excerpts:

How big is the challenge given the BJP swept all 7 Delhi seats in the past two polls?

I am thankful to the people of Delhi, leadership and workers of the Delhi Congress, and Congress high command for reposing their faith in me.

Though the contest is challenging,what we are seeing on the ground is people are unhappy with this government. The numbers we see on TV and electronic media are bogus. The BJP is repeatedly talking about the same things. Their government has not delivered and does not talk about issues like unemployment, price rise, farmers’ issues, women’s security and economic disparity.

You will face Manoj Tiwari in a Bihari versus Bihari fight...

This is Lok Sabha election, not a local one. the congress has a national agenda. In our( manifesto ), we speak about justice for all. The last 10 years (under the BJP) have been nothing less than‘ anyayka al (period of in justice )’ where unemployment and prices have increased. This time, the fight is between in justice and justice.

How will you counter the BJP’S ‘tukde-tukde gang’ claims?

Why should I counter it? Lies need not be countered. This would be falling into their agenda of diversion. In fact, the question is on them. all agencies are under them. The Prime Minister and Home Minister are theirs. Who is stopping them (from arresting me) when they can put an elected

CM in jail without ash red of evidence? they have been saying this for the past 10 years because they want to divert the people’s attention (from real issues). It is political propaganda, which means they do not have a real agenda.

If given a choice, would a seat in Bihar have been your first preference?

Obviously. I would have liked to contest from Begusarai. But the Congress is apart of the india bloc and the seat was given to one of our partners.

Congress and AAP, which have been bitter rivals, are allies in Delhi. Will it have an impact on campaigning?

I think in such a situation, party workers and people come together first while the leaders join hands in the end. this alliance has taken shape on the ground to fight against those who want to weaken the country. There is mitr kaal (era of 'friends', implying rich industrialists) and anyay kaal on one side. On the other side are common people seeking justice.

Is your candidature from Delhi a precursor to becoming Delhi Congress chief?

Rajneeti prediction se nahin ch al ti( politics does not play out on predictions). I do not think there is any such long-term plan.