Sisodia Steps Out: Former Deputy CM Reconnects with Public in Delhi Padyatra

Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia engages with the public during a Padyatra in Uttam Nagar after 17 months of imprisonment, drawing comparisons between his and CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrests in the Delhi excise policy case.

In a significant development, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Wednesday remarked that the public believes he was unjustly jailed, drawing parallels with the current situation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Sisodia, who was speaking to ANI, said, 'People are excited and ask if I am fine. They say I was forcefully jailed, and even Kejriwal is similarly incarcerated.'

The AAP leader further commented, 'Everyone is optimistic that now I am back, Kejriwal will soon return, and the work in Delhi will proceed as before.' Sisodia made these remarks during his Padyatra in Uttam Nagar, Delhi on Wednesday, where he met with the public.

Sisodia commenced his 'Padyatra,' reestablishing contact with the citizens after spending 17 months in imprisonment. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on March 21 in relation to a money laundering investigation tied to alleged discrepancies in the now-abandoned Delhi excise policy 2021-22.

Last week, Sisodia began his 'Padyatra,' rekindling his connection with the public after an extended period of incarceration. In February 2023, he was arrested by the CBI for alleged misconduct in the development and implementation of the now-defunct Delhi excise policy.

The CBI asserts that Sisodia was a central figure in the criminal conspiracy and was heavily involved in both the crafting and execution of the policy. With Delhi's assembly elections looming in early 2025, the AAP is setting up to defend its stronghold after winning 62 out of 70 seats in the 2020 assembly polls, leaving Congress with none and the BJP securing eight seats. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)