From Popular Student Leader to Parliamentarian The Journey of Malvinder Singh Kang Member of Parliament, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
He was a tremendously popular and loved student leader back in his days at Panjab University, Chandigarh. He began his career with the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), and after the agrarian reforms issue, he left the BJP and participated fully in farmers’ protests. Eventually, he joined Aam Aadmi Party and is currently the Chief Spokesperson for AAP in Punjab. He recently won the Lok Sabha elections from the Shri Anandpur Sahib constituency and defeated veterans and strong candidates from Congress, BJP and Akali Dal. Here is a conversation between Malvinder Singh Kang, a sportsperson turned politician, and Editor of The Lifestyle Journalist Magazine- Dr Neha Miglani.
You were involved with Panjab University politics and began your political career on the university campus. But what triggered it, and how did you enter active politics later?
I came to Panjab University in 2001. I was a student of the law department. I was actively involved in the official student union of the university and the student party- the Panjab University Students Union (PUSU). Twice, I was elected to the PU student council, and at 25, I was elected as a senate member of PU from the graduate constituency. I was the first student to be elected President of the students’ union and became a senate member.
After finishing my law and MA in History from Panjab University in 2005, I joined mainstream politics due to Anurag Thakur ji, the President of the youth wing of BJP then. He was a dear friend, and because of him, I came into mainstream politics. After leaving university, I joined the Bhartiya Janta Party and continued working in different positions. Initially, the youth wing was later the spokesperson of BJP and the general secretary of BJP in the state.
In 2020, when farmer agitation happened, I resigned from all the posts of BJP, and I continued with farmer agitation for one year.After that, I joined Aam Aadmi Party and became the spokesperson. After the elections, I was promoted to the Chief Spokesperson position of the Aam Aadmi Party. They gave me a ticket from Shri Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha—the Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab and Honourable Chief Minister of Delhi- and I got to serve people. The Punjab CM has shown his trust in me. So, my journey spans 20-22 years to date.
You are among those leaders who talk about issues beyond politics- sustainable development and the environment, and you are a sportsperson. What are some causes that are close to your heart for the people of Punjab?
My focus till now has been on the cultural crisis in Punjab. The biggest one is the language crisis. We need to revive the rich culture of our Punjab in different ways. There is much to learn and carry forward as inheritance in our families.Regarding the environment, we are facing grave concerns about our groundwater in Punjab. Our agriculture is the economic backbone of Punjab. Pro-farmer policies have not been made in Punjab in the last few decades. Punjab CM is working on this, and in a federal structure, the centre plays an important role along with the state. As a Member of Parliament, one of my duties is to ensure that the government of India and the World Bank’s schemes reach the farmers and Punjab.Another serious concern is to channel the youth in which sports are instrumental. Before the year 2000, Punjab was No. 1 in sports in India. We have a lot of talent. We need to provide good infrastructure and guidelines. I am a gold medallist in basketball at a pan-India level and was very active in sports during my university days. So, by channelling the youth and providing them with direction, we aim to enhance not just Punjab’s but the entire country’s representation in sports at the global level. Punjab will emerge significantly as an international platform for athletics.We also aim to work in the area of food processing. So, these are four or five major thrust areas.
What do you mean by cultural crisis?
The actual culture of Punjab is becoming a mixed culture. Our heritage and culture is our identity. How we live, eat, dress up, speak, walk, get married, everything. It is a serious concern for our society. As a Punjabi, it may be Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, or whoever is born in Punjab.
There is connectivity missing and communication missing between the central government and the people of Punjab. At least the intellectual think tank feels so. What do you have to say about this?
There is a considerable gap. The agenda of the political parties is of their own. However, cooperation between the centre and the state is essential. Here comes the role of representatives like us who can play an important role as Members of Parliament. So, bridging this gap is in my mind. I have urged all MPs from Punjab, from different parties, including Congress, Akali Dal, and others, to come together on the issues of Punjab. Things will happen when we unite and talk for the state in one voice. We have to end this communication gap to benefit society, and we will end it. We will do our best.
You have told us about your plans for Punjab, including four or five major issues. What do you have in mind for Anandpur Sahib? What is your target?
Firstly, in Anandpur Sahib, there is a need for better medical education. Secondly, regional issues like the national highway project from Banga to Shri Anandpur Sahib must be addressed. Similarly, there are some parts of our state where there is no railway connectivity. The railway line is going to be built.Thirdly, this area can be built better from a tourist’s perspective, particularly regarding religious tourism. There is Takhat Shri Kegarh Sahib, Shri Khuralgarh Sahib, Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj, Mata Naina Devi temple, and Bhagat Singh Ji’s village. It includes Chamkaur Sahib; hence, there is tremendous scope for developing this area as a tourism hub.Similarly, one has to find ways to put this region on the international map in a better way due to the rich culture. International flights to Mohali International Airport should increase for better global connectivity. So many passengers coming to Punjab must travel to Delhi- from Europe or North America. As a Member of Parliament, I would like to work on some major issues since this is a part of my constituency.
Regarding more international flights from Chandigarh airport, there is an increasing concern about delays and cancellations due to frequent protests by local people over various issues. Doesn’t it make that area vulnerable, leading to loss to commuters due to delays in reaching the airport?
This situation is created when the governments do not allow protestors to exercise their democratic rights. Many protests occur on Jantar Mantar or Ram Lila grounds, and it’s a designated place. Why isn’t there such a place for Punjab people? We must think about this. Haryana has barricaded the border to prevent protests, which is unfortunate. And this is not the fault of the farmers. This responsibility is of the government. Farmers have the right to protest peacefully, and our constitution gives us this right.Hence, this is not a matter of farmers. This is the issue of central government and state government coordination. We will play an essential role in resolving such issues. Our honourable Chief Minister of Punjab has already taken the initiative in this direction. A peaceful society, with brotherhood and mutual respect, has to be developed and maintained. Everyone should do their work smoothly. As politicians, it is our responsibility to ensure this.
What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
My strength is that I am very dedicated to the work I do. I remain focused on the goal. Whatever work I take up, I ensure it is done. You can call it willpower. The person who has a strong willpower can do anything in this world. I have been a sportsperson and played basketball during my university days. Sometimes, a sportsperson wins the last match and the NBA title after losing three games. They became great players. So, willpower is my strength.
And weakness? Something that you want to plug in and make batter?
My weaknesses are many! Firstly, I get angry very quickly, and I know I have to control that. Secondly, my English is weak, and I want to fix that too (laughs).
How do you relax and de-stress?
I play basketball and visit the basketball court whenever possible, though only sometimes. It provides me with a great sense of relief. I also enjoy jogging and running. Sports, in general, is a great way to stay mentally and physically fit.
