Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia walked out of jail on Friday, 17 months after his arrest in money laundering cases linked to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor scam, following the Supreme Court’s bail grant on the same day. There’s now a buzz about his reinstatement as Delhi Deputy Chief Minister among people.
Sisodia resigned from the post of Deputy Chief Minister and his berth in the Delhi Cabinet days after being arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February 2023. Hence, Manish Sisodia is now an MLA.
The AAP leader held 18 crucial portfolios, including education, finance, planning, land and building, vigilance services, women and child development, art and culture, and languages, before quitting the cabinet responsibilities. He won’t be able to hold any ministerial berth till the time he is sworn in again.
Many AAP leaders and supporters are pushing for Sisodia’s quick return to a ministerial role, arguing that his past performance and the current political climate, especially with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in jail, make him an ideal candidate to lead Delhi’s government.
However, significant challenges hinder this move. Primarily, Kejriwal’s imprisonment means he cannot sign the necessary documents to recommend Sisodia’s appointment. In Delhi, a Union Territory, the procedure for appointing a Cabinet minister involves the Chief Minister’s recommendation being routed through the Lieutenant Governor to the President of India, and only after presidential consent can a new minister be sworn in.
With Delhi facing assembly elections in six months, AAP is debating Sisodia’s role internally. Some party members argue that his presence in the government is crucial, while others suggest he might be more effective in an organizational role. Concerns about Sisodia’s and his wife’s health are also impacting the decision. Ultimately, Sisodia must decide whether to rejoin the government now or support from behind the scenes.
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