Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain, recently released from jail after 19 months, opened up about his incarceration, addressing controversies surrounding his prison treatment, and sharing his thoughts on the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) future and the upcoming Delhi elections. His comments provide insights into his experience behind bars, his role within the AAP, and the party’s position against the BJP.
When asked if he anticipated being jailed, Jain noted that the experience was entirely unforeseen. He recalled that AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal often mentioned that those affiliated with AAP might face jail time as part of their political journey, though Jain believed it was merely a motivational message. Jain remarked, “Even though Arvind Kejriwal used to say that those working with AAP may have to go to jail, we thought that he was saying it to motivate us.” He lamented that despite a case being lodged in 2017, an investigation is still incomplete even after seven years.
Jain’s prison experience sparked a public uproar, primarily due to video footage showing him receiving massages from other inmates. The BJP was quick to seize on the footage, alleging that Jain was being pampered in jail. Clarifying this, Jain explained that there was no special treatment, stating, “I underwent surgery twice while in jail, and doctors asked me to adhere to bed-rest strictly.” Due to physical limitations, he was unable to perform tasks like sweeping, which led a younger inmate to voluntarily assist. Jain explained that the young man saw him as a father figure and offered to clean his cell area.
Addressing the massage controversy, Jain clarified that it was actually part of his prescribed physiotherapy, arranged by jail authorities due to severe pain following surgery. He explained that while a certified physiotherapist was available only once a week, prison staff arranged for another inmate to help relieve his pain on the remaining days. “I was in severe pain [after surgery], and doctors had advised me to undergo physiotherapy daily. They [prison authorities] arranged a guy with some idea about physiotherapy,” he said. Jain asserted that the BJP intentionally misrepresented this arrangement to malign his image and undermine AAP.
Reflecting on the arrests of prominent AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and himself, Jain accused the BJP of a concerted effort to disrupt the party. He argued that these arrests were intended to dismantle the party’s unity, saying, “They [the BJP] wanted to arrest Kejriwal, and believed that these arrests would break the AAP’s unity.” However, Jain emphasized that AAP leaders remained resilient, adding that many leaders from other parties faced with corruption allegations defected to the BJP, while AAP’s leaders stood firm.
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Although Jain’s release didn’t signal an immediate return to the cabinet, he has resumed an active role in the party, engaging with AAP workers and preparing for upcoming elections. He shared that feedback from the public reflects support for AAP, as people view the BJP’s actions against the party as politically motivated rather than justice-driven.
In discussing AAP’s election strategy, Jain highlighted the achievements of the party, including free electricity, water, and bus rides for women, as well as improvements to government schools and the establishment of mohalla clinics. He expressed concern that a BJP-led government might reverse these benefits. “Our election plan is to continue the work we are doing for the people of Delhi,” Jain stated, adding, “We are telling people that if the BJP wins, it will undo everything we have done.”
The BJP’s rhetoric around “free ki revdi” has been a focal point of contention, with BJP leaders denouncing free public services as unwarranted handouts. Jain countered this, defending the initiatives as rightful benefits rather than “freebies.” He argued that these services serve the public directly, rather than benefiting political elites, and reflect the party’s commitment to redistributing taxpayer money for the community’s welfare.
As the Delhi elections approach, Jain sees a “strong pro-incumbency” for AAP due to its extensive social programs and steadfast approach to governance. Despite controversies and setbacks, Jain is optimistic about the party’s prospects, viewing its electoral support as a testament to the public’s appreciation of AAP’s policies over the last decade.
