Will Manish Sisodia return as Delhi deputy CM
Once Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia walks out of Tihar Jail, after 18 months of imprisonment, he will remain just an MLA for the foreseeable future, reports said. This is because Sisodia resigned from his position as deputy chief minister and from the Delhi Cabinet days after his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2023. Hence, he cannot hold any ministerial position until he is sworn in again.
Why does this story matter?
Sisodia, accused in the first FIR filed by the CBI in the 2022 Delhi Excise Policy case, was arrested first by the CBI and two weeks later by the Enforcement Directorate. On Friday, the Supreme Court granted him bail in both cases, noting he had spent months in jail without a trial. The court ruled this deprived him of the right to a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Kejriwal's imprisonment complicates Sisodia's reinstatement
To recall, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal—who is also in jail in the same case—has not yet resigned from his position. With the CM incarcerated no new minister or deputy chief minister can be appointed. According to reports, for Sisodia to be reinstated in the Council of Ministers and designated as Deputy CM, a proposal must be initiated by the Chief Minister and approved by the Lieutenant Governor (L-G).
Sisodia's future role in AAP
So, while there is a vacant ministerial berth, Sisodia cannot assume these responsibilities without a proposal from Kejriwal. AAP leaders have suggested that Sisodia's attention will be primarily on his family, as his wife is battling Multiple Sclerosis. An AAP leader said, "Of course, he will be involved in party affairs, but without a ministerial berth, he cannot be part of official meetings. His priority right now will be his family."
Sisodia's anticipated visit to his constituency
After exiting jail, Sisodia is expected to visit his constituency in the near future. An AAP leader explained, "While funds were released for work in his constituency in his absence over the past few months, there are several things for which his interventions will be needed."
Atishi in Sisodia's former cabinet position
Following Sisodia's resignation, his place in the cabinet was assumed by AAP leader Atishi, who took over three crucial portfolios: education, finance, and PWD, along with several others. When Sisodia was a minister and former minister Satyendar Jain was imprisoned in a separate case, Sisodia oversaw 18 departments. Currently, Atishi is responsible for more than 13 departments.
