New Delhi- Delhi-based social activist and author Dr Anil 'Jaihind' last week joined Congress in the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.
Previously associated with Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal until its 2022 merger with RJD, 68-year-old Dr Jaihind brings decades of experience in social activism to Congress.
In an exclusive interview with The Mooknayak, the veteran activist key to Congress's Samvidhan Sammelans, revealed why he chose to join the party at this crucial juncture in Indian politics.
His journey from being a medical practitioner to becoming a key advisor in Congress's constitutional awareness campaign offers unique insights into the party's renewed focus on social justice.
"For the past one and a half year, I've closely observed Rahul Gandhi during Samvidhan Sammelans," Dr Jaihind explains. "He's not just another politician making promises. His understanding of social justice and genuine commitment to constitutional values sets him apart. Above all, he is a wonderful human being."
On being asked why he believes Congress party is India's last hope for social justice, Dr Jaihind offers a sharp critique of regional politics: "Yes, there are some regional parties talking about social justice, but majority of their leaders have become compromised through corruption. The RSS has perfected the art of silencing them. These regional leaders have effectively lost their voice." He states, "Regional parties talk about social justice, but their leaders have been silenced. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, only Congress stands firm on constitutional values."
On questions about timing, he clarifies: "If you're thinking about election tickets, yes, it might seem late. But I'm not here to become an MLA or MP. I have no such political ambition. My focus is on strengthening the party's social justice agenda by connecting primarily with Bahujan communities so that they expand the party's ideology for the next few decades."
"Give me a chance beyond Samvidhan Sammelans," the medical practitioner-turned-activist says, "and I'll take Congress's message of social justice to young minds. Once they understand this cause, the party will be unshakeable for decades."
On the effectiveness of constitutional conventions, Dr Jaihind points to concrete results: "In UP, these sammelans delivered a major setback to BJP. But their success depends on how well we integrate the message of social justice with ground-level campaigning."
Drawing contrasts between UP and Delhi campaigns, Dr Jaihind explains how Samvidhan Sammelans impacted BJP's stronghold in UP, while Delhi's focus on competing with AAP's welfare promises proved counterproductive.
Analyzing Congress's performance in Delhi elections, Dr Jaihind didn't mince words: " The Delhi candidates got trapped in AAP's game of freebies. While they were busy competing with AAP candidates, promising cheaper cylinders and utilities - 'if AAP gives cylinders at 500, we'll give at 300' - they completely missed the larger message of social justice. This disconnect between state and national leadership proved costly."
The story behind Dr Jaihind's unique surname reveals deep roots in India's independence movement.
"My father, Captain Surjan Singh Yadav, served in Netaji's Azad Hind Fauj," he recalls with pride. "While the British systematically divided army regiments based on caste and religion, Netaji was resolute that his forces would only use 'Jai Hind' as their greeting. This tradition became so integral to our family identity that we became known as the 'Jai Hind family' in our community." Captain Yadav had dedicated his life post retirement, for the welfare of the soldiers and freedom fighters from Azad Hind Fauj. Presently Dr Anil lives with his wife and children, all of whom are medical practitioners.
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