'Tukde-tukde' label now does not resonate even with BJP's own voter base: Kanhaiya Kumar

Former president of JNU Students' Union, Kanhaiya Kumar, known for his fiery speeches, has been fielded by Congress from the North East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Excerpts from an interview:
What are the main issues you are focusing on in your election campaign?
The NDA govt, BJP and those around PM Narendra Modi are altering the democratic setup, misusing institutions and pushing the country towards authoritarianism.While our GDP has risen, per capita income has fallen, unemployment has increased and prices have doubled. BJP promised achhe din, Rs 15 lakh in every bank account, two crore jobs annually and abolishing of income tax, but delivered on none of these. These are national issues that need to be addressed.
The local MP has been invisible for a decade. Traffic jams, law and order issues like snatchings, drug peddling, crimes against women, waterlogging and arbitrary actions by DDA are major concerns. People want their MP to raise these issues in Parliament. We need an integrated development plan for North East Delhi. The sitting MP never raised a single issue in Parliament.
You were the first candidate in Delhi to use the photograph of the alliance partner's leader (Arvind Kejriwal) in your campaign material. Was this directed by the party or was it your decision? Are AAP candidates using Congress leaders' photos?
We are in an alliance and this should reflect in our campaign and ideology. I am not just a Congress candidate, I am an INDIA candidate. I am not sure if AAP candidates are using photos of Congress leaders, but that is their decision.
How is the coordination with AAP on the ground?
Very good. Their leaders and workers attend all my programmes. They accompanied me when I filed my nomination.
Will this coordination convert to votes?
It should. It depends on the voter's mood. We are making efforts at all levels, including optics and campaign.
Are you getting the support of Congress workers and senior functionaries who opposed your candidature?
There was no opposition from party workers. Historically, in Congress, leaders have opposed a candidate. Indira Gandhi had to fight an election to be the party's PM candidate, as did Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. Those who had problems left the party.
Votes are polarised in your constituency. Is this a challenge for you?
Polarisation does not happen on its own - BJP engineers it with their speeches. Our job is to raise real issues that resonate with voters.
You often refer to religion and Hindu deities in your speeches. Is this to counter polarisation?
I reference religion and scriptures to show respect for all religions. People assume I am anti-religion because of my leftist background, but I am not. For me, secularism means respecting all religions, following the Gandhian view of 'Sarv dharma sambhav' (all religions are the same). Only when religiosity is weak does hatred spread.
BJP calls you a member of the tukde-tukde gang (alleged supporters of secession). How do you counter this tag?
It's a distraction that won't impact me. The tukde-tukde label does not resonate even with BJP's own voter base and has stopped being used since my nomination. If I were antinational, I would be in jail. When they label me that, they target my Poorvanchali background. The Poorvanchalis here will not take these things kindly. I have been acquitted in all cases. A Delhi govt commission found the video accusing me was fake.
How do you view your rival candidate?
I have no personal enmity with Manoj Tiwari. My fight is political. He is a sitting MP seeking re-election and I will question his work in the constituency.
Do you think Arvind Kejriwal's interim bail will positively impact your campaign?
There is enthusiasm among workers. The foot soldiers are rejuvenated.
What are your views on the case against him?
The case is politically motivated. This govt wants to jail everyone. BJP's arrogance led them to arrest a CM. They will alter the Constitution and imprison democracy.
Your election affidavit shows you earned just Rs 18,500 in 2022-23. How do you sustain yourself?
My party covers my expenses. I am not married and have no family. I live with friends who are well-placed. The party pays for my assistant and travel. I am not in politics for money and will quit if I want to earn money.
Was North East Delhi your choice of seat?
I follow the party's decisions. Political parties work methodically - decisions are collective, responsibility is individual and reviews are collective. The party decided I should contest from North East Delhi. I have emotional ties with Begusarai [from where he contested in 2019], but defeating BJP on every seat is crucial.