Why BJP's 'tukde-tukde' label no longer bothers Kanhaiya Kumar

North East Delhi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Kanhaiya Kumar, the Congress candidate for the North East Delhi Lok Sabha seat, isn't fazed by the BJP's "tukde-tukde" label, often used against him. In an interview with TOI, he shrugged off the label, stating that it doesn't affect him.

Describing it as a distraction, Kumar stated that such labels won't deter him. He noted that the "tukde-tukde" tag has lost its impact, even among BJP supporters, since his nomination. He asserted that if he were truly anti-national, he 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," the former president of JNU Students' Union added.

Discussing his BJP rival in the constituency, Kumar clarified that his fight is political, not personal. He highlighted the incumbent MP's tenure and his intention to question his performance in the constituency.

Regarding his selection of the BJP stronghold constituency, Kumar explained that he follows party decisions systematically. Despite emotional ties to Begusarai, where he contested in 2019, defeating the BJP on every seat is paramount.

Kumar outlined the key issues in his campaign, criticising the NDA government for allegedly undermining democratic institutions and failing to deliver on economic promises. He highlighted rising unemployment, economic challenges, and unfulfilled BJP pledges as national concerns.

He also pointed out local issues such as traffic congestion, law and order problems, and inadequate infrastructure.

Kumar stressed the need for effective representation in Parliament to address these issues, criticising the incumbent MP's lack of parliamentary engagement.

In response to questions about his election affidavit, which revealed he earned just Rs 18,500 in 2022-23, he explained, "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."

The North East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, situated in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is one of the seven parliamentary constituencies in the region. It was established in 2008 as part of the Delimitation Commission of India's recommendations, primarily accommodating migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Seeking re-election is the Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate, Manoj Tiwari, who emerged victorious here in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections.

Kanhaiya Kumar has MPhil and DPhil degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Kumar gained national attention about eight years ago when JNU was embroiled in controversy over alleged anti-India slogans raised by some students. As the president of the JNU students' union at the time, Kumar was at the forefront of the debate. Despite being taken into custody in connection with the incident, he was later released on bail.