New Delhi: A day after being released from Tihar Jail, former deputy chief minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, delivered a stirring call for unity among opposition forces on Saturday, warning of the dangers posed by what he called a “growing dictatorship” in India.
Addressing a large gathering of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers, supporters and leaders such as Sanjay Singh, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Atishi, and Gopal Rai at the party headquarters, Sisodia said, “If we have to fight this dictatorship, we have to fight unitedly.”
Underlining the urgency of collective resistance, Sisodia said that the situation could soon impact not only AAP leaders but also anyone else who dared to oppose the BJP.
“Do not think that today the workers and leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party are in jail. Tomorrow, your turn will also come,” he warned.
Delivering a message for the INDIA alliance, Sisodia urged all INDIA leaders to stand together for the country’s future.
“If the leaders of the entire opposition of the country will roar once with full strength, today the atmosphere in the country is such that Arvind Kejriwal ji will come out of jail within 24 hours,” he said.
His words resonated with the crowd, which responded with applause to the call for unity in not only the upcoming elections but also the broader “fight for democracy and justice”.
On Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Manish Sisodia in connection with two cases of corruption and money laundering, highlighting that his prolonged detention without trial has violated his right to a speedy trial.
The Enforcement Directorate arrested Sisodia on March 9, 2023, and the Central Bureau of Investigation on 26 February this year over alleged irregularities in the now-repealed 2021-22 Delhi liquor policy.
Also read: Manish Sisodia walks out of jail after 17 months, says ‘dream of Babasaheb has come true’
‘I was hoping for justice in 7-8 months. It took 17 months’
On Saturday, Sisodia embarked on a spiritually and politically charged journey across the capital.
Clad in a simple black shirt, Sisodia, accompanied by fellow AAP leader Sanjay Singh, visited the Hanuman Mandir early in the morning. Following this, he proceeded to Rajghat, where he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. AAP leader Atishi joined him at Rajghat.
Reflecting on his 17-month ordeal in his speech, Sisodia spoke of the emotional toll and the strength he drew from his family and supporters.
“These tears have given me strength,” he said, expressing relief that, after a prolonged wait, justice had finally prevailed.
“I was hoping for justice in 7-8 months. It took 17 months, but honesty and truth have won,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Sisodia also took to X to share a poignant message with his wife — a pillar of support in his legal battles.
“First cup of tea on the morning of freedom…..after 17 months! That freedom that the Constitution has given to all of us Indians as the guarantee of the right to live. That freedom that God has given us to breathe in the open air with everyone,” his post read.
आज़ादी की सुबह की पहली चाय….. 17 महीने बाद!
वह आज़ादी जो संविधान ने हम सब भारतीयों को जीने के अधिकार की गारंटी के रूप में दी है।
वह आज़ादी जो ईश्वर ने हमें सबके साथ खुली हवा में साँस लेने के लिए दी है। pic.twitter.com/rPxmlI0SWF
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) August 10, 2024
Sisodia’s release has rekindled hope within the party, though there is still uncertainty about the responsibilities he will take on moving forward.
Previously, he served as the education minister in the AAP cabinet, a position now held by Atishi.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)