Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today welcomed a significant addition to its ranks as Sumesh Shokeen, a prominent leader from rural Delhi and former Congress MLA, joined the party in presence of National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. On the occasion, Arvind Kejriwal talked about how AAP’s efforts have transformed rural Delhi into an integral part of Delhi’s growth story. He noted that AAP has ensured equitable development in rural Delhi by providing STPs, roads, schools, Mohalla Clinics and stadiums.
Addressing the media, Arvind Kejriwal expressed his delight, stating, “Sumesh Shokeen, a major leader from Delhi’s rural areas, is joining AAP today after leaving the Congress Party. I wholeheartedly welcome him to our family. Before our government came to power, rural Delhi was completely neglected. Residents often felt disconnected from the capital city. Today, our development efforts have transformed rural Delhi into an integral part of Delhi’s growth story.”
Recalling the earlier neglect of rural areas, he mentioned an incident before the 2013 elections when hailstorms damaged crops in Delhi. “The people living in rural areas did not feel like they were a part of Delhi. I still remember an incident before the 2013 elections when hailstorms hit Delhi in 2012-2013, damaging crops. At that time, a journalist asked the then Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit about the damage and what her response was. Sheila Dikshit replied, “Oh, does farming happen in Delhi too?” The Chief Minister, who had been in power for 15 years, didn’t even know that there were farmers in Delhi and that farming occurred here. In 2015, when our government was formed, hailstorms occurred soon after, and crops were damaged. I personally visited the affected areas, and we provided compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre to the farmers. Since then, the development process in rural Delhi began.”
“Our government has set up numerous sewage treatment plants, provided sewer connectivity, built roads, established outstanding schools, developed playgrounds, and constructed large stadiums to meet the long-standing demands of rural Delhi. We’ve also set up Mohalla Clinics and hospitals, ensuring equitable development. Sumesh Shokeen’s decision to join AAP underscores the impact of our work, and his addition will further strengthen our mission in rural Delhi,” Arvind Kejriwal added.
Sumesh Shokeen, expressing his enthusiasm, said, “The development witnessed in rural Delhi over the past 11 years under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership is unparalleled. Whether it’s road connectivity, bus services, or sewage treatment plants, AAP has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between rural Delhi and the city. I have always been committed to serving my people, and joining AAP allows me to build on that vision. Together, we will continue to work for the betterment of rural Delhi, my constituency, and the common citizens of Delhi.”
AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak also spoke on the occasion, acknowledging Sumesh Shokeen’s significant contributions to Delhi’s villages. “Sumesh Shokeen has consistently fought for the rights of rural communities. Inspired by the transformative work being carried out by Arvind Kejriwal, he has joined our movement today. His addition strengthens our resolve to accelerate development in every corner of rural Delhi,” he remarked.
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