New Delhi: With the arrest of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia who held as many as 18 of the total 33 departments, including education, finance and home, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led government in Delhi is facing a possible crisis. But his arrest will have major impact on the politics of not only Delhi but of many other states.
In June last year Satyendar Jain, Delhi's the then health minister, was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case and Sisodia is the second minister to land behind bars.
TMC, RJD, BRS condemned arrest
It is apparent from the fact that parties like TMC, RJD and BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi formerly known as Telangana Rashtra Samithi) have condemned Sisodia’s arrest. However, the Congress high command is silent on the matter.
AAP will now try to portray Sisodia as a victim
AAP will now try to portray Manish as a victim while hailing him for the successful transformation of Delhi's educationsystem. No doubt Sisodia has contributed significantly to the party's popularity and continued electoral success.
Who will present budget?
But the immediate challenge for Kejriwal is to present the Delhi government budget as scheduled and find Sisodia's replacement.
Sources in the AAP said Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot may present the Delhi government budget for the next financial year.
Sisodia is one of most trusted aide of Kejriwal. AAP leader Atishi said BJP hasn't been able to prove any allegation against Sisodia and his arrest is a matter of attacking AAP and Kejriwal's popularity.
'Where is the money Sisodia allegedly bungled?'
Atishi said, "Manish Sisodia changed the face of government schools in Delhi in eight years. This is what he is getting punished for. The BJP is saying that this is a scam of Rs 10,000 crore. Where is this money? CBI searched Sisodia's house, even his relatives, friends, but this money was not found. Where is the money? The government is not able to tell this."
Aam Aadmi Party's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said - Sisodia's arrest is the height of dictatorship. At the same time, the Aam Aadmi Party tweeted and wrote - This is a black day for democracy.
Kejriwal came out in Sisodia's support and dubbed his arrest politically motivated.
Kejriwal, Mann reached Sisodia's house
After the arrest of Manish Sisodia, Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reached his house. They met other family members besides Sisodia's mother and wife.
Kejriwal said – They are arresting the noble, honest people in the country and putting them in jail. Those who have scammed billions of rupees, were not even given notice.
Delhi CM said: Manish's sons are studying outside. His wife is not well. We consoled them.
Sisodia had tweeted before his arrest that take care of my family. Kejriwal wrote on this – Don't worry Manish.
Mann said – Our party has emerged from the movement. We are not afraid. BJP wants to break our team. This is a cowardly act.
Event management cannot save the AAP: BJP
The BJP, meanwhile, said that "event management cannot save the AAP from the law." At a press conference, party spokesperson Sambit Patra asked why Arvind Kejriwal or his party never explained why they withdrew excise policy.
"Manish Sisodia and other AAP leaders never explained why they withdrew excise policy after corruption was flagged. Delhi excise policy was leaked to liquor-contractor by AAP before it was sent to group of ministers," said Patra.
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