The Tribune Interview: Satish Luthra, Congress candidate from Shakur Basti

In an interview with Ujwal Jalali of The Tribune, Satish Luthra exuded confidence in winning the high-profile constituency, which is marred with several issues such as broken roads, poor sewage system and piles of garbage along the roadside. While AAP has reposed faith in its senior leader and former cabinet minister Satyendar Jain, the BJP has given the responsibility to Karnail Singh to wrest power from the incumbent AAP MLA. Excerpts:

INDI bloc partners - AAP and Congress - are fighting separately. Do you think this would give an edge to the BJP?

The decision regarding not to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi is based on the state’s unique political equilibrium. These decisions are taken by the high command of the INC, considering various factors, including the local political landscape and the party’s overall strategy. However, I believe that the people of Shakur Basti are looking for a change and will vote for the candidate who can deliver on their promises.

With AAP’s Satyendar Jain, who has even remained a minister in the Delhi government, how do you assess your chances in Shakur Basti?

I am confident about my chances in Shakur Basti despite AAP’s Satyendar Jain and BJP’s Karnail Singh being in the fray. I have a deep understanding of the local issues. Satyendar’s involvement in corruption scandals had significantly eroded public trust. His inability to resolve the pressing sewage problem in Shakur Basti further highlights the AAP’s failure to deliver on its commitments. On the other hand, Karnail Singh of the BJP, who recently returned to India, lacks familiarity with the ground realities, unlike me, who has personally met and understood the concerns of the residents.

We recently saw AAP released a poster that mentioned pictures of your top leaders naming them as “dishonest” people. What are your comments on this?

I strongly condemn personal attacks on leaders. It’s unacceptable for any political party to stoop to such levels. I firmly believe that we should focus on issues and policies that matter to the people, rather than resorting to petty personal attacks. Unfortunately, AAP’s recent poster controversy is a perfect example of how personal attacks can distract us from the real issues. Instead of focusing on the policies and programmes that will benefit the people of Shakur Basti, they’re resorting to cheap tactics that only serve to divide.

What are the major issues in your constituency? What are your priorities or agenda for the welfare of people?

The Shakur Basti constituency faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation, limited access to quality education and healthcare and sewage management. My priority is to address these concerns by enhancing infrastructure, boosting education and healthcare facilities, and creating employment opportunities. Resolving sewage problem is at the forefront of my agenda.

What is your roadmap for Shakur Basti? Do you have any dream project that you would want to implement if you are voted to power?

My roadmap for Shakur Basti is centered around transforming it into a model constituency. I plan to achieve this by focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure and employment opportunities. Establishing a state-of-the-art hospital is one of my dream projects. To enhance education, I’ll establish new schools and upgrade the existing ones. I’ll ensure affordable healthcare services and improve existing healthcare infrastructure.