What will be Manish Sisodia's Role in AAP Post-Release from Jail?

On 9 August 2024, after spending 530 days in jail, Delhi's former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was released following bail granted by the top court. His release was met with a show of support, as a crowd of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters gathered outside Tihar Jail in Delhi to welcome him back.

Immediately after his release, Sisodia paid a visit to the family of Chief Minister and AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who remains behind bars. The next day, Sisodia addressed party leaders and workers at the AAP office, delivering a speech filled with determination and resolve. "Kejriwal cannot be kept in jail for long," he affirmed. "We are the horses of the chariot, our real charioteer is currently in jail, he will also come out. Wherever our charioteer will drive us, we will go."

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has not resigned from his post despite being in jail, and there are no legal barriers preventing Sisodia from resuming office. However, the AAP has yet to clarify when, or if, Sisodia will return to a formal position. AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar noted that Sisodia's release has reinvigorated the party, providing a new surge of energy. However, the specifics of Sisodia’s future role remain uncertain.

Sisodia is Kejriwal's most trusted companion

Insiders suggest that until Kejriwal is released, Sisodia may assume control of the party’s election campaign and oversee the Delhi government’s operations. Analysts widely regard Sisodia as Kejriwal’s closest ally and most trusted companion. Given their longstanding partnership, it is expected that Sisodia will take on a significant leadership role in Kejriwal's absence.

Face of AAP's education policy in Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party has also made Manish Sisodia the face of its education policy in the Delhi government. Kejriwal has been openly praising Manish.

However, after Arvind Kejriwal went to jail, his wife Sunita Kejriwal is also in a political role now and in Arvind's absence, she is involved in the party's campaign activities.

On Sunday itself, Sunita Kejriwal attended the party's rally in Haryana She participated in the Badlaav rally and campaigned. Sunita Kejriwal repeatedly reminded people of the work done by the Arvind Kejriwal government.

In such a situation, the question may arise whether Sunita will be the face of the party in Kejriwal's absence or Manish Sisodia.

Sisodia may emerge as AAP's primary leader during Kejriwal's absence

However, analysts believe that after Sisodia's release from jail, he will be the main face of the party and the government. Sisodia, with his experience and deep connection to the party’s core leadership, will likely emerge as the primary leader of AAP and the Delhi government during Kejriwal's incarceration. His return to the forefront of the party, alongside the ongoing involvement of Sunita Kejriwal, suggests that AAP is preparing to face the challenges ahead.