After being entangled in the excise policy scam, AAP leader Manish Sisodia has finally been released from jail after 17 months. In an interview with Aaj Tak, he expressed that opposition leaders are being thrown into jail. He said he was charged under a law that is typically used to prevent funding to terrorists and drug mafias. Reflecting on his time in jail, Sisodia mentioned that he found solace in befriending himself.
Sisodia shared, ‘It’s been 4-5 days since I walked out of jail. There's tremendous enthusiasm among the workers. Seeing MPs and MLAs, I feel immense pride. If we look at the history of the past 8-10 years, parties have crumbled under ED-CBI threats. But neither did our party break nor did our government shatter. We continued to work uninterrupted.’
‘No Rush to Join the Government Again’
Sisodia continued, stating, ’The party stood by my wife and my son. The entire case was fought by the party. I had no clout. My wife was ill. My child was studying abroad. If he were here, he would have fought on the streets. Jail is jail. You are separated from your loved ones, from your work. During my time in jail, I had two options. Either break down or come back stronger. I chose to return stronger. The former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi also mentioned that there is no rush to rejoin the government.
'Never Thought I'd Spend 17 Months in Jail'
Sisodia further added, 'I was mentally prepared. However, I never thought I’d have to stay in jail for 17 months. Even a few months ago, I couldn’t have imagined going to jail.'
He pointed out that being accused in politics is commonplace. But, a reason should be there behind sending someone to jail or arresting them. When someone enters active politics, their goal is to bring change, fight corruption, and create a place among the people. One should never expect a red-carpet welcome.
Sisodia remarked that they (ED and CBI) had filed the case under the PMLA Act, which primarily aims to curb funding to terrorists and drug mafia. It is difficult to get bail under this act. Since their sole motive was to keep me in jail for a longer duration.
