The Tribune Interview: Sanjeev Arora, Rajya Sabha MP

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, who was announced the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from Ludhiana West, on Wednesday ruled out speculations of his party supremo Arvind Kejriwal replacing him in Parliament. In an interview with Nitin Jain of The Tribune, the 61-year-old business tycoon-philanthropist-turned-politician said Kejriwal did not have to wait for a bypoll as any MP would step down for him if he is interested to enter the Rajya Sabha. Excerpts:

Your first reaction on entering state politics?

I am honoured and looking forward to serve my people more closely.

Is this your own decision or party’s?

It’s mutual.

Why are you leaving your Rajya Sabha seat at the halfway mark?

I am Punjabi and would like to serve my Punjabi brothers and sisters. I have already done my best for three years in the Rajya Sabha and would now like to do much more by entering the state politics.

The Opposition parties are seeing it as a “plot” to enable Arvind Kejriwal enter Rajya Sabha in your place. Your take?

It’s completely wrong, he didn’t have to wait for the bypoll. Any MP would step down for him if he is interested.

How do you see your prospects in the bypoll?

We are going to win hands down.

Do you sense any threat to your party’s government in Punjab?

We all are together and do not see any threat. There is no truth in split rumours. Our party is too strong to be broken.

Whom do you see as your main opponent?

I wish all my opponents the best. Will take all of them as serious contenders, irrespective of party affiliation.

What are your major poll planks?

Development and better living for all residents of the city.

Do you see any opposition from within your party as well?

Not at all.

Opposition leaders also say that you mostly remain in Delhi? Your take?

I have been spending time almost equally between Delhi and Ludhiana. I was born and brought up in Ludhiana. Have my business interests here. As MP you need to spend time in Delhi as required for parliamentary work. My extended family is in Ludhiana. My work in the past three years speaks for itself, which I have done for the city and state. For it, the biggest certificate will be given by voters.

After becoming the MLA, what would be the first thing you want to do?

I would take care of all promises made during campaigning, make Ludhiana a model city to live in.