Chandra Shekhar Azad, the leader of the Azad Samaj Party, recently made headlines for his powerful message after taking his oath as the MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Nagina in the 18th Lok Sabha on June 25. After being sworn in, the first-time MP raised multiple slogans while holding a copy of the Constitution. The slogans of ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat, Jai Samvidhan, Jai Mandal, Jai Johar, Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ resonated with the essence of his connection to the people. In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times’ Kumkum Chadha, Azad elaborated on the significance of these slogans, stating that they are linked to great personalities and are a reflection of the identities of ‘Jai Bhim’ and ‘Jai Bharat’. He highlighted the importance of the Mandal Commission, which gave backward communities the opportunity to progress and move forward. Azad expressed gratitude towards India’s democracy and its people but also shared an incident where an MP taunted him for his speech, to which Azad emphasized that he is there to speak and be heard. He emphasized the need for those who have deprived the people of their rights to listen and understand their struggles. During the interview, Chandra Shekhar Azad addressed the plight of the weaker sections of society, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by many. From men picking faecal matter to earn a living to women working in fields amidst challenging circumstances, Azad highlighted the struggles of the deprived. He underscored the challenges faced by millions of women who have never experienced basic privileges like air travel or comfortable train journeys. Azad emphasized that a significant portion of society remains marginalized and deprived of essential rights. The Azad Samaj Party MP spoke about the discrimination he faced throughout his life, starting from his school days up to his graduation. Recalling incidents of caste-based abuse and discrimination, Azad brought attention to the deep-rooted prejudices prevalent in society. He shared a personal anecdote about not being able to afford medical treatment for his father, leading to his demise. This experience exposed Azad to the harsh realities of power dynamics and the importance of resources during emergencies. Chandra Shekhar Azad’s journey from a young freedom fighter to a dedicated politician resonates with the struggles of many individuals in India. His commitment to representing the marginalized communities and his fearless approach in speaking truth to power serves as an inspiration for many across the nation.
