Patna: Newly elected RJD MLC from Patna teachers’ constituency, Sanjeev Kumar, a full-time medical practitioner and son of former minister Ramanand Prasad Singh, defeated three-decade incumbent Nawal Kishore Yadav. He tells TOI’s Rakesh Roshan that teachers’ welfare and grassroots issues will be his prioritiesWhat is a full-time medical practitioner doing in RJD, which is known for protecting criminal elements?Medicine is my profession, but politics and social service are my passion. My father instilled in me the values of public service and social responsibility. I reject the perception that the RJD protects criminal elements. Such generalisations are often politically motivated and do not reflect the party or its present leadership.You defeated a law maker who had been in the saddle for the last more than two decades. Your reaction?My victory was not merely against an individual who had represented the constituency for decades. It was a collective victory of the RJD and the teaching community against the BJP and the ruling establishment that backed him.You have had an illustrious career as a medical practitioner. What compelled you to enter politics?I completed my MBBS from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai. My father, Late Ramanand Prasad Singh, was an engineer from the University of Leeds and a five-time MLA from Parbatta. Alongside my medical career, I remained involved in his social and political work. For me, politics is an extension of public service.For the first time, you and your brother, Rajeev Kumar, Cong MLC from Begusarai, will be together as members of the legislative council. Will there be any competition or alliance between you?It is a proud moment that I will join my elder brother Rajeev Kumar in the legislative council. There is no competition between us.You had opposed the Nitish-led govt over the Sultanganj-Aguwani Ghat bridge collapse, which eventually led to your exit from the JD(U). Now that you are with the RJD, where do you see your political career heading to?My opposition to the Nitish govt over the repeated collapse of the Sultanganj-Aguwani Ghat bridge stemmed from concerns over corruption and accountability. I also had differences over the party’s functioning and its disconnect with grassroots workers. After joining the RJD, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav gave me due respect and recognised my family’s contribution. I see him as a major mass representative in Bihar.During the MLC election, I flagged fake and ineligible voters, leading to the deletion of around 5,200 names from the electoral rolls. My priorities now include restoring teachers’ dignity and timely resolution of their administrative issues.Now that Prashant Kishor is Bankipur MLA, how do you see his aggressive style of functioning and intellect?Prashant Kishor is a good friend. We may differ politically, but I respect his approach and will raise issues in my own way in the council.
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