Delhi-based National Dastak editor Shambhu Kumar Singh is set to enter electoral politics in Bihar’s Vaishali. The BSP contestant spoke to Newslaundry before the announcement of his candidature, when the journalist had expressed his intention to fight the Lok Sabha election. 

In this conversation, Singh spoke about his journalism, his foray into politics, Bahujan politics, and the people’s representation in the parliament.

The journalist-turned-politician cited stalwarts such as Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh and said Bahujan politicians fight polls over development and not religion. He also advocated for social workers to contest elections and asked, “When those serving a party can contest elections then why can't those doing social service do so?”

Watch.

There’s no better time to underline the importance of a free press. On World Press Freedom Day 2024, power the independent media.