Satyendar Jain on Mohalla Clinics, Jail Time, and BJP's ‘Chunavi Hindus’ Jibe

"People saw that work resumed when I returned from jail." Satyendar Jain on governance, elections, & BJP’s attacks.

"I Was in Jail, But Work Never Stopped": Satyendar Jain on His Return to Politics

(Photo: The Quint)

Former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, who spent 2.5 years in jail, has returned to the political battlefield with sharp critiques of the BJP. In an exclusive interview with The Quint's Shadab Moizee, he addressed accusations, defended his governance, and spoke about the challenges faced by AAP.

On his jail time, Jain dismissed claims that development had stalled in his absence.

“For 2.5 years, BJP leaders promoted me more than they worked. They kept saying, ‘There is no fund, no money.’ When I returned, I immediately sanctioned several projects. The public now knows that no one else can get the work done,” he stated.

Defending AAP’s healthcare model, Jain responded to criticism regarding the slower-than-promised expansion of Mohalla Clinics. “I was in jail, maybe that’s why the pace slowed. But 1.5 crore people have benefited. That’s not a small number,” he said, stressing the accessibility Mohalla Clinics provide compared to traditional hospitals.

“If someone called them ‘Chunavi Musalman,’ it would turn into an argument. They are dragging religion into elections instead of focusing on work.''

Satyendra Jain, AAP

Jain hit back at BJP’s ‘Chunavi Hindu’ label for AAP leaders and accused BJP of violating election laws by using religious imagery in their campaign. “They have put Bhagwan Shri Ram’s photo next to their candidate’s name. Does the Constitution allow seeking votes in the name of God?”

As Delhi’s readies itself to vote on 5 February, Jain’s return brings renewed focus on governance, accusations, and the battle for voter trust.