Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia gave his first interview after being released from jail after 17 months in the liquor scam case. He said, 'I never thought I would go to jail over the liquor scam.'
In his interview with Aaj Tak, Sisodia mentioned that one should not expect a red-carpet welcome in politics. Hence, he was mentally prepared for imprisonment. However, he never imagined that he would spend 17 months in jail for the liquor scam. He was charged under laws aimed at curbing terrorist or drug mafia funding.
He said, 'Opposition leaders are being put in jail, and attempts have been made to break us. Making accusations in politics is common, but I believe there is always a reason behind arresting or imprisoning someone. On being asked about joining the government, he said that there is no hurry to join the government right now.'
Became Friends with Myself in Jail
Sisodia shared that he spent 17 months in jail, during which he became quite introspective and developed a friendship with himself. He has been out of jail for 4-5 days now and feels immense pride looking at the enthusiasm among party workers and lawmakers. Despite ED and CBI threats that have crumbled other parties over the past eight to ten years, neither our party nor our government has disintegrated. We continued our work consistently.
On the question of the party’s embarrassment over the liquor scam, Sisodia stated that he believes his party’s respect has increased rather than degraded through this ordeal. People recognize that the party has stood firm despite immense pressure.
The Case Fought by My Party, Not Me
Sisodia mentioned that it was his party, not him, that fought the legal battle related to the liquor scam. He acknowledged that he couldn't have fought the case alone. His wife stood by him throughout the entire process.
Sisodia added that parties often crumble under ED’s threats, but his party remained intact. They continued their work in the face of adversity.
What did Sisodia say about an Alliance with Congress?
With elections approaching in Delhi in a few months, Sisodia addressed the question of an alliance with Congress by stating that alliances are decided according to the times. He views Delhi elections and the Lok Sabha elections as separate matters. According to him, elections are minor issues compared to fighting the dictatorship of the BJP. The country is facing a dictatorship crisis where opposition leaders are being jailed. Kejriwal is in jail, Hemant Soren was jailed previously, and many of their party leaders have also been imprisoned. There is widespread chaos as the ED has been harassing small traders. We must stand against this dictatorship.
Sisodia emphasized that he does not consider the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) a weak link. If the entire opposition unites, Kejriwal can be released from jail within 24 hours.
Will Sisodia Become Deputy CM Again?
When asked about returning to the position of Deputy CM, Sisodia said that it might happen but he is not in a hurry. He was recently released from jail, and Arvind Kejriwal would be released soon too. The decision will be made by Kejriwal and the party’s top leadership. For now, he is busy meeting people.
For context, Manish Sisodia was granted bail on August 9 in the liquor scam case and was released from jail after 17 months.
