NEW DELHI: Manish Sisodia is leading AAP’s campaign and revitalising the party for the Delhi Assembly elections amid Arvind Kejriwal’s absence.
Manish Sisodia, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, has taken on the responsibility of leading the party after his release from jail. As a key strategist within AAP, Sisodia is playing a crucial role in preparing for the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025. With Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal currently absent, Sisodia is working tirelessly to rejuvenate the party during this critical time. His role has become even more significant as he leads the campaign efforts and strives to maintain the party’s momentum.
Earlier this month, Sisodia was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the corruption and money laundering cases linked to the Delhi liquor policy. The 52-year-old walked out of Tihar Jail after spending 17 months behind bars, providing a much-needed boost to AAP, which has been struggling to recover from the setback of its chief, Arvind Kejriwal, being jailed in a related case.
Since his release, Sisodia has taken charge of the party, stepping in to fill the void left by Kejriwal. Immediately upon his release, he began criticising the BJP-led NDA government, accusing them of making false allegations and attempting to keep AAP leaders in jail to influence the upcoming Delhi elections
After his release from Tihar Jail, Manish Sisodia’s primary focus has been on revitalising AAP, working to repair the damage inflicted by the opposition. He has begun engaging with the public, reminding them of the developmental work accomplished under the leadership of Kejriwal. Taking on the responsibility of leading the party, Sisodia stated, “My role in the party is determined after discussions with party leaders, and it is Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who decides it. For now, it has been agreed that I will go out among the people, visiting every street and conducting ‘padayatras.’ I have no desire for any post.”
Sisodia has played a crucial role in shaping AAP’s policies and outreach efforts, with a particular emphasis on education, health, and governance reforms. His current efforts likely involve mobilising the party’s base, coordinating campaign strategies, and ensuring that AAP’s message effectively resonates with voters.
Sisodia, has launched an outreach program to connect with the public and gauge voter sentiment. As part of this initiative, he has started conducting padyatras to create a wave of sympathy among the people of Delhi for Kejriwal. These padyatras are part of a broader series of outreach programs planned by AAP in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 2025.
During these walks, Sisodia also interacted with the media, stating, “With the Supreme Court granting bail to Sanjay Singh and me, we have crossed two stages of this battle. When Arvind Kejriwal is released, we will cross a significant milestone in this fight. Their jails are not strong enough to hold all of us. They tried to intimidate us, but none of us were afraid.”
Sisodia further emphasised Kejriwal’s commitment to ensuring that every child in the country receives a quality education in government schools and that private school fees are reduced. He assured that efforts to improve hospitals and provide better healthcare will continue. “Electricity bills have been reduced to zero in Delhi and Punjab; this will soon happen across the country, and no one can stop it. Kejriwal has taken up the fight for truth and change, and we will carry that forward,” he added.
A political analyst who closely follows Delhi politics said that Manish Sisodia has been a key figure behind AAP’s rise since its inception after the 2011 anti-corruption movement. His efforts are likely centred on mobilising the party’s base, coordinating campaign strategies, and ensuring that AAP’s message resonates with voters. Sisodia’s experience in governance, particularly in education, lends him credibility and provides a strong platform to engage with the electorate. His ability to communicate AAP’s achievements and vision will be vital in energising the party’s cadres and winning voter support. However, the campaign’s dynamics and his influence will depend on the specific political landscape of the upcoming elections, voter sentiment, and how effectively AAP can navigate challenges in Kejriwal’s absence.