Social Activist And Padma Shri Awardee Jitender Shunty Joins AAP

On Thursday, Jitender Singh Shunty, a social activist and Padma Shri recipient, officially joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of the party’s national convener, Arvind Kejriwal.

Shunty, known for his humanitarian work and as the founder of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal (SBS) Foundation, brings decades of service-oriented experience to the political fold.

Welcoming Shunty, Kejriwal praised his exceptional contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly his efforts in conducting dignified last rites for unclaimed bodies.

Kejriwal stated, “He is known as ‘Ambulance Man’. I have been told that he has facilitated last rites of more than 70,000 bodies, in dignified manner. During COVID era, when people hesitated to accept bodies of their family members, he accepted the bodies and performed last rites. He too fell prey to COVID. Even when his family contracted COVID, he continued his mission. He has come to politics to serve people. His joining will strengthen AAP.”

Jitender Singh Shunty On His Journey: From Pandemic Service To AAP Politics

In response, Shunty reflected on his journey and decision to re-enter politics with AAP.

“I was stepping away from politics to focus on service work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to serve by cremating unclaimed bodies. One day, I received a call from Arvind Kejriwal, who expressed a desire to contribute to this noble cause. My colleagues pointed out the similarity in our work: while he is giving life to people, we are taking care of matters after death. We both draw inspiration from Bhagat Singh, who was the first to raise the issue of human rights in Lahore jail. After the pandemic, I took up the issue of why people should not have access to the bodies of their deceased loved ones,” he asserted.

Shunty, a Padma Shri awardee in 2021 for his philanthropic efforts during the COVID-19 crisis, joined the BJP in 2008 and won the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, representing Shahdara as an MLA. He has dedicated the honor to his fellow frontline workers.

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