Former BJP MLA, Padma Shri Awardee Jitendra Singh Shunty Joins AAP

Arvind Kejriwal appreciated Shunty’s 29-30 years of dedication to social service. He highlighted the efforts of Shunty in respectfully transporting and cremating over 70,000 unclaimed bodies.

Former BJP MLA from Shahdara and Popular as "Ambulance Man", Jitendra Singh Shunty, joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday. The Padma Shri awardee Jitendra Singh was welcomed by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal at the AAP headquarters in Delhi.

During the event, Kejriwal praised Shunty’s 29-30 years of dedication to social service. He highlighted the efforts of Shunty in respectfully transporting and cremating over 70,000 unclaimed bodies. Kejriwal remarked, “While AAP serves people from birth to old age, Shunty serves them even after death. He has entered politics to extend his service. With governmental resources now supporting him, his contributions will multiply tenfold.”

Arvind Kejriwal further said, "I am very pleased to welcome Jitendra Singh Shunty into the Aam Aadmi Party today. Jitendra Singh Shunty needs no introduction. He is well-known not only in Delhi and across the country but also internationally for his social work. He has been dedicated to social service for the past 29-30 years and is known by titles such as 'Ambulance Man' and others. Especially, the way he has shown respect to the deceased is remarkable. No one usually thinks about them because they don't bring votes. If someone passes away, they can’t vote anymore. Only a good and sincere person, someone with a compassionate heart, can care for them."

Arvind Kejriwal said that he was informed that Jitendra Singh Shunty has respectfully transported and cremated over 70,000 bodies so far. He highlighted Shunty's remarkable efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic when people hesitated to even claim the bodies of their own family members.

Many refused to accept the bodies of their loved ones, were unwilling to perform the last rites, and did not even retrieve the bodies from hospitals, often asking hospital staff to handle the cremation. During such times, Shunty took it upon himself to ensure these bodies were cremated with dignity. In the process, he was affected by COVID-19 himself. Even when his entire family was battling the virus, Shunty continued his work without worrying about his circumstances. For this selfless service, he was honoured with the Padma Shri award.

Arvind Kejriwal said that in addition to this, Jitendra Singh Shunty provides ambulance services to sick individuals, ensuring they are taken to the hospital on time and their lives are saved. He facilitates their medical treatment during illnesses and organises blood donation camps. He stated that the Aam Aadmi Party serves people from birth to old age, while Shunty serves even after death. "This is a natural alliance," he said. "Today, I welcome Shunty ji to the Aam Aadmi Party." 

He further mentioned that their philosophy is also rooted in service. "For us, politics is not just politics; it is an opportunity to serve. Shunty ji has also entered politics to serve," Kejriwal said. He highlighted that Shunty has served as a councilor twice and as an MLA once. "Shunty ji is a follower of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, and so are we," Kejriwal added.

Arvind Kejriwal Fulfills Needs Of  Underprivileged: Jitendra Singh Shunty

Expressing his similarity with Arvind Kejriwal in efforts while serving the people, Jitendra Singh Shunty said, "I had distanced myself from politics. Although I was elected three times, I dedicated myself to social service, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, God gave me more opportunities, earning me respect and recognition. However, while performing the last rites of unclaimed bodies, I received a call from Arvind Kejriwal, who expressed his desire to contribute to this noble cause. I asked him for some time to think it over. But my heart, conscience, family, and colleagues all pointed out the similarities between my work and Arvind Kejriwal’s efforts. Arvind Kejriwal fulfills the needs of the underprivileged, from birth to old age."

"In particular, I must highlight the contributions of our migrant brothers who come to Delhi and work as warriors. While people call them laborers, I call them warriors. They leave behind their homes and families and work tirelessly to provide for their children. Yet, when they pass away, they do not even receive proper wood for cremation," he added.

Jitendra Singh Shunty further added, "Arvind Kejriwal is taking care of giving life to people, and I will take care of matters related to death. If the Delhi government arranges everything from living to passing away, I believe our mission will be fulfilled. Both of us are followers of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, who is our mentor. Primarily, I am aligning my services with those of Arvind Kejriwal because my work involves unclaimed dead bodies, ambulances, hearse services, and blood donation, which has earned me a place in the World Book of Records. I have also donated blood 106 times. These missions will continue as they are connected to Delhi's healthcare services. My home, my workplace, is the crematorium."

He added that he shared with Arvind Kejriwal about his intention of not returning to politics, but he explained, "We focus on serving the living in need, while you dedicate yourself to helping those who have passed. By joining forces, we can create a safety net for the helpless, covering their journey from life to death." His words resonated deeply with me. He assured me that my work would reach new heights, and together, we aim to establish a system ensuring dignity for the underprivileged in both life and death.

"I must mention that the first voice for human rights was raised by Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh in Lahore Jail during his 123-day hunger strike. Post-COVID, I raised a similar voice to ensure that people received the bodies of their loved ones. I will continue to take this mission forward in the coming days," Shunty concluded.

Jitendra Singh Shunty further added, "I have voluntarily decided to join the AAP family. For me, politics will be a means to earn blessings, as only prayers and blessings accompany us after death—nothing more. Our message is simple: let humanity foster brotherhood among people."

Who Is Jitendra Singh Shunty

Jitendra Singh Shunty, 61, is a social worker and the founder of the NGO 'Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal.' His NGO provides services such as cremation of unclaimed and unidentified bodies, free ambulance services, blood donation, and disaster management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his exceptional contributions were widely recognised, earning him the Padma Shri award in 2021.

To date, his NGO has facilitated the respectful cremation of approximately 70,000 bodies and facilitated blood donation from over 30,000 individuals. Shunty was elected as an MLA from the Shahdara Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket in 2013 and as a councilor from Jhilmil Ward 238 in the 2012 MCD elections.