Jitender Singh Shunty with Arvind Kejriwal. , Photo Credit: PTI
Padma Shri awardee and former BJP MLA Jitender Singh Shunty joined the Aam Aadmi Party in the presence of party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kejriwal said, “It brings me immense joy to welcome Jitender Singh Shunty to AAP today. He is renowned not just in Delhi or across the country but also internationally for his exceptional contributions to social service. For the past 39 years, he has dedicated himself selflessly to serving society.”
Mr. Shunty said that he had distanced himself from politics for a long time, despite having been elected three times in the past. “My focus shifted entirely to service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where I was blessed with opportunities to serve and received immense respect.”
“The concept of human rights was championed by Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh himself during his 123-day hunger strike in Lahore Jail. Inspired by his ideals, I voluntarily decided to re-enter politics — not for power, but as a medium to earn blessings,” he added.
Mr. Shunty, who is the founder of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal, had transported and cremated the bodies of around 4,500 people, who had died due to COVID-19-related ailments. These bodies were unclaimed as their families were quarantined or could not cremate the body for the fear that they would contract the virus.
For these services, Mr. Shunty was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2021 by the President of India.
Published – December 06, 2024 01:00 am IST