The Tribune Interview: Sanjeev Arora, AAP candidate: Compare my works with others, then take decision

Sanjeev Arora, candidate for the Ludhiana West bypoll from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), says he had been serving residents of Ludhiana, much before announcement of the election for the MLA. He shares his experiences and challenges ahead with Principal Correspondent Shivani Bhakoo.

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What kind of response are you getting from public?

The way residents of Ludhiana had given me the warmth and affection, it could not be expressed in words. Ahead of the bypoll, to be held on June 19, following the unfortunate death of sitting AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, I started working for Ludhiana, the elections for the MLA came much later.

Why should you be choice of voters in Ludhiana West constituency?

Compare my works with others and then decide. Starting from the airport at Halwara, which is the demand of industrialists for the past several decades, I have done many works for the uplift of the residents in a selfless manner. It can be revamp of the Civil Hospital, which was in dire straits, construction and completion of NHAI projects, roads and street lights in focal points or bringing of one time settlement policy for the industry. If any other person has accomplished this much work single-handedly, anyone can raise doubt on my integrity.

Is AAP and Cong playing a friendly match?

My candidature was announced in the end of February and the campaigning started much in advance in March as compared to Congress or SAD candidates. Till now, the party has covered almost every segment. How can it be a friendly match? We both are different, having different approaches and ideology. I remain grounded, to be with the masses all the time, whether I am in power or not.

How was your experience of meeting voters?

Before this election, I never knew how a candidate asks for votes. But when the party decided about my candidature, I started associating with the masses and it was altogether a different experience. Meeting voters, listening to their grievances, reaching out to the authorities to address issues of residents, etc, I am serving in a selfless manner. By the grace of God, I have everything in life, I sincerely wish to serve the people.

What is your contribution to industry?

The industry plays a vital role in Ludhiana as it is an industrial town and the industry had several issues. I met all leading representatives from industrial organisations, one by one, and got their issues resolved. A few days ago when I asked the industry about any pending issue, all wanted to have a one time settlement policy and that demand is also met by the party. We will take the industry to greater heights.

The reason for your popularity is humbleness?

Sincerity and humble attitude pay in the end and I will always remain humble to my people.