His three security men are dwarfed by his 6-foot 5-inch demeanour. Chitranjan Kumar, towering over everyone in a crowded BJP office, is unfazed by the political bigwigs of the party praising him or campaigning for him. Kumar has a criminal past, a stoic straight face and a cold matter-of-fact reply to every question.
Yes, I have a criminal past. During Lalu’s time, there was a situation where I had to fight for the rights of Dalits. They were subjected to a lot of injustice by members of Ranveer Sena and the upper caste, which is why I have a criminal record.
— Chitranjan Kumar, BJP Leader
When asked about his involvement with Art of Living, there was a hint of a smile. Kumar took to Art of Living to deal with the negativity that politics brings with it.
A large part of my life as a politician is spent in criticising my opponents. My thinking is forced to be negative and not positive. News columns about scientists, saints and philosophers are not read but those of a rape case or a crime next to them are quickly consumed. It’s human nature to catch the negative. Art of Living teaches you to see the positive and rid yourself of the negativity. That is why it is called Art of Living: Jeevan Jeena Ki Kala.
— Chitranjan Kumar, BJP Leader
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