Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has recently shared his plans to engage directly with the people of Delhi through a series of 'padayatras,' or foot marches, across the city's assembly constituencies.
Sisodia emphasised that he has no personal desire for any official position and that his future role within the party is determined by discussions with party leaders, particularly Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Manish Sisodia stated, “My role in the party is decided after talking to the party leaders, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal decides it. Right now, after talking to the party leaders, it has been decided that I will go among the people in every street.
I will do ‘padayatras.’” His primary goal, he said, is to improve public services in Delhi, including education, healthcare, and public transport. To achieve these goals, Sisodia believes participating in elections is necessary. Reflecting on the past 17 months, Sisodia expressed an increased affection for the people of Delhi and the country.
He stressed his commitment to public service over personal ambitions, stating, “I have no desire for any post. I have only one wish that the people of Delhi should get a good education. People should get good hospitals. The public transport system, which has improved, should be improved further. To fulfil these wishes, contesting elections is necessary, so I will contest the elections.”
Regarding the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on August 23 concerning Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea, Sisodia expressed confidence in the judicial system.
He voiced his belief in the Constitution’s ability to protect opposition leaders against unfair practices, stating, “I have faith in the Constitution, and there is a system in it that, whenever any dictatorial government puts opposition leaders in jail by imposing the same Sections that are imposed on terrorists, the Constitution will protect them.”
Sisodia also criticised the BJP’s attempts to keep him incarcerated until the Delhi Assembly elections. He claimed that the BJP’s plans had failed and expressed optimism about Kejriwal's release.
“BJP is sad that their conspiracy to keep us in jail till the Delhi Assembly polls has flopped. Their sorrow will increase when Kejriwal also comes out. There is nothing in this case. When nothing wrong has been done, then why should one be afraid?” he said.
Additionally, Sisodia praised Sunita Kejriwal, the Chief Minister’s wife, for effectively communicating Arvind Kejriwal’s message to the public while he was jailed. He commended her for her efforts during a challenging period for the party.
Sisodia, who was recently released from Tihar Jail on August 9 following a Supreme Court bail order, faces conditions including surrendering his passport and refraining from influencing witnesses.
His arrest in February 2023 by the CBI was related to alleged irregularities in Delhi’s now-scrapped excise policy, which was withdrawn amid opposition allegations of corruption. The CBI has claimed that Sisodia played a central role in the policy’s formulation and implementation.
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