KBC to KYC (Kaun Banega Candidate to Know Your Candidate)

Know your candidate’s persona – A curtain raiser

As we gear up for the upcoming elections to the Lok Sabha, let me introduce you to the man that Chandigarh’s BJP candidate, Sanjay Tandon is. Sanjay grew up seeing his father, late Sh. Balramji Dass Tandon, former Governor of Chhattisgarh, leading from the front in helping people who were oppressed, needy and wanting. Resultantly, standing up for integrity and honesty, duty and discipline in all walks of life, comes naturally to Sanjay.

In fact one of the first things that struck me about Sanjay’s persona was his strict adherence to ethics and principles. This does not take away from the fact that he is full of life, witty, workaholic, yet very caring.

Sanjay began his career as a Chartered Accountant in 1986, from a makeshift office that was his bedroom of 10 ft x 10 ft converted into an office, and a seed money of Rs.10,000 given by his father, from his hard-earned savings. Dad was six times MLA from Punjab and the senior cabinet most minister in Late Mr. Badal’s cabinet.

We got married in 1987. My father (late) Justice MM Punchhi, retired as the Chief Justice of India. As a couple we have lived frugally, especially in the early years of our marriage. Our journey has by no means been easy, at the same time it has been incredibly fulfilling. We have three sons and therefore three beautiful daughters-in-love. Over 7000 people have worked in our group of companies under the ‘Competent’ banner. In Sanjay’s words, “Mein chala tha akela … log milte gaye, aur kaarwaan banta gaya!”

In 1995, when Modiji visited our home, he told Sanjay that if well-meaning young people like you don’t enter politics, then other people who are not capable enough will take the forefront. It is your duty to pay back to the society, as a responsible citizen of the country. On Modiji’s prompting, Sanjay was nominated as a member of the state executive in 1995. He has been General Secretary BJP Chandigarh for three years and President BJP Chandigarh for ten years. Presently he is Co-Incharge of BJP Himachal Pradesh as well as Member of the National Executive of BJP. He is also President, UT Cricket Association Chandigarh (Affiliated to BCCI), President of Competent Foundation and Balramji Dass Tandon Charitable Foundation

Together we have written seven books of Inspirational Short Stories in the Sunrays series. The Sunrays books provide food for thought and throw light on practical spirituality in day to day life.

As President of BJP Chandigarh, for ten years, he has been the longest standing State President of the party, in the country. Being in this position he has solved many problems of the people of Chandigarh, from different walks of life and from different strata of society. As his wife, I know how earnestly and selflessly he has worked for people who have reached out to him for help.

Our Lord and Guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, “Politics without principles, Education without character, Science without humanity, and Commerce without morality are not only useless, but also positively dangerous.”

Now that he is the candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Chandigarh, God willing he will emerge victorious and will be able to help more and more people. Do stand beside him to add to his strength. All of us together will surely be able to build a better city and a better nation. God Bless us all!

-Priya S. Tandon

This piece has been published in the Punjab Express newspaper on the Opinion page on 24.04.2024.