The Fact News Service
Ludhiana, April 25
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora -the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate for the Ludhiana (West) by-election, is drawing praise for reinforcing his secular image. He had started his campaign after paying obeisance at Shree Durga Mata Mandir and Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib. Thus, he signaled his commitment to spiritual and cultural unity.
What distinguishes Arora’s campaign is not just its energy, but its sincere outreach across religious lines. Throughout his political engagements, he has made deliberate efforts to visit and pay respect at temples, gurdwaras, and mosques alike, embracing the religious diversity of his constituency. His regular presence at such places, even before the election season, highlights that his secular image isn’t performative — it’s deeply embedded in his public life.
Arora’s interactions are not confined to religious communities. He has also been actively meeting with a cross-section of society, including industrialists, senior citizens, working professionals, and community leaders, listening to their concerns and ideas. His philanthropic work through the Krishna Pran Breast Cancer Charitable Trust has further cemented his image as a compassionate and service-oriented leader, transcending any communal boundaries.
Celebrating festivals like Holi and Eid with equal fervour, participating in interfaith events, and attending both meditation camps and shobha yatras, Arora has consistently projected himself as a leader who values harmony. His respectful demeanor — including his habit of seeking organisers’ permission before departing events — has drawn admiration across communities.
In a time when political polarisation often takes center stage, Sanjeev Arora’s inclusive and respectful approach is helping position him as a secular leader who truly represents all constituents. As the by-election approaches, his campaign continues to gain momentum, driven by a philosophy rooted not just in politics, but in genuine human connection.
“I’ve always believed in engaging with every community — not as a strategy, but as a way of life,” Arora affirms, echoing the secular values he strives to uphold.
Arora said, “Secularism is not just a constitutional value — it is a deeply personal principle that guides my public life and everyday conduct. To me, secularism means respecting all religions equally, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that every citizen feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their faith. I believe true leadership lies in uniting people, not dividing them — and I try to embody that by participating in religious festivals of all communities, visiting places of worship across faiths, and engaging with people from every walk of life. I view secularism as a living, breathing practice — one that must be demonstrated through action, compassion, and consistent outreach, not just words or seasonal gestures.”
