Padma Shri Jitender Singh Shanti Joins AAP, Arvind Kejriwal Welcomes 'Ambulance Man'
In a significant political development ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, former BJP MLA and Padma Shri awardee Jitender Singh Shanti has joined the Aam Aadmi Party, causing a major blow to the BJP. Party national convenor and former Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal personally welcomed Shanti into the fold and appreciated his outstanding contributions to society.
Jitender Singh Shanti: A Legacy of Service
Jitender Singh Shanti is known as 'Ambulance Man' for his phenomenal work in giving dignity to the dead. In the last two decades, he has performed the respectable last rites of over 70,000 unclaimed bodies, specially during the COVID-19 times when many were hesitant to deal with the dead. This selfless work has helped him get a Padma Shri, and Jitender Singh Shanti continues to be an icon of social service in Delhi.
Shanti comes from a long line of public servants, having served as a Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly and also as a two-time councillor for the Jhilmil Ward. He is the founder of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Seva Dal (SBS) Foundation and has held the record for the maximum number of blood donations done, 106 times. His community work made him an example even in COVID-19 times, wherein he risked his life and limb to serve people in the crisis.
Kejriwal Welcomes Shanti: A Step Towards Stronger AAP
Welcoming Shanti into the party, Arvind Kejriwal emphasized that his dedication to public service aligns with the core values of AAP. Kejriwal mentioned that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Shanti continued his mission of helping the needy, even when his own family was affected by COVID-19. His actions, Kejriwal said, epitomize the spirit of selfless service that AAP embodies.
Kejriwal also thanked Shanti for deciding to join politics again, stating that Shanti's decision was based on his deep commitment to the welfare of the people. The AAP leader stated that Shanti's values are close to his party's values, especially the belief in the ideals of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
Shanti's Personal Reflection on Joining Politics
Jitender Singh Shanti, thanking Kejriwal, said he was deeply moved by the call. Shanti said he had distanced himself from politics, but during the COVID-19 crisis, he felt the calling to serve the people once more. He said Kejriwal's offer to join AAP was like an invitation to continue his social service work in a more impactful way.
Shanti emphasized that both he and Kejriwal have the same vision of working for the people of Delhi and India. The inspiration is to work according to the revolutionary ideology of Bhagat Singh. He vowed to work along with Kejriwal to serve the people of Delhi and work towards AAP's mission.
AAP Stronger Ahead of Delhi Elections
With Shanti’s vast experience in social service and his deep-rooted connection to the people, AAP is set to gain a significant boost ahead of the Delhi elections. His reputation as a public servant and his association with one of Delhi’s most prominent social movements will likely resonate with voters, giving AAP a fresh edge in the upcoming electoral battle.
