When the Aam Aadmi Party had given a Rajya Sabha ticket to successful entrepreneur, diplomat and philanthropist, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, many eye brows were raised. The concerned gentleman despite being in public space after helping India improve its ties with South Africa in particular, has never been in politics. He used to be an integral part of any Indian delegation that visited South Africa during different regimes in the past. Thus, when he was elected to the Council of States from Punjab, there were many who said that he was a wrong choice and the AAP would realise this sooner than later. Being the State’s representative, he has acquitted himself creditably in such a short period and has not allowed the sharp differences between AAP and BJP to come in the way. Like seasoned politicians of the old school, the primary objective is to help the common people rather than getting into political squabbles. When the Punjab University controversy cropped up and threatened to culminate into a major agitation against the Centre, it was primarily because of his efforts after his meeting with the HRD Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan and State leaders, that helped in resolving the issue. Again, when the GST row over taxes being imposed on Sarais, (Inns) attached to Gurdwaras hit the headlines, Sahney again stepped in and spoke to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to iron out the differences. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer a special financial package to Punjab to bail it out from the economic crisis. The Rajya Sabha MP’s actions may not have pleased his party, but it is evident that he is looking at the larger picture while viewing the situation that exists in Punjab knowing fully well that matters cannot be allowed to deteriorate any further. Punjab like many other states is facing too many challenges from growing unemployment and the menace of drugs. These have to be handled collectively by the State’s representatives regardless of which party they are in. Vikramjit Singh may not like comparisons with Delhi strongman,the late HKL Bhagat keeping in view the sensitivities attached regarding his alleged role in the 1984 anti Sikh riots. However, Bhagat became popular in the capital and its uncrowned king, since he never looked at the ideological leanings of the people who lived in his constituency. In fact, he would go out of the way, if any BJP leaders would approach him to address an issue. The work would be done with overriding priority. Had asked Bhagat once why he was so generous towards the BJP, he smiled and said that he was aware that he could never influence them ideologically, However, if he did their work, they would be neutral and criticize him less than they would do if the work remained undone. This quality was also there in Madan Lal Khurana, who also helped anyone who went to seek his assistance without going into his party’s affiliations. This is a lesson for all political leaders and they should view the people they represent as residents of their constituency and not on party lines. Vikramjit Singh Sahney may be new to politics but has recognized that the mantra to success was to get things done rather than sitting back and blaming others. He believes in a direct approach to matters and does not shy away from interventions with those who control the levers of power. The bureaucracy in Punjab has already realized this and is currently cooperating. How his actions would be interpreted by the AAP leadership would be known only with the passage of time.
Panka