Delhi's Finance Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Manish Sisodia, made a roadshow visit to Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat before delivering a speech. This action came amidst allegations of corruption in bringing a new liquor sale policy in the national capital.
Sisodia's roadshow was accompanied by AAP supporters waving placards and shouting slogans. Many AAP leaders claimed to have been put under house arrest in anticipation of Sisodia's arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Sisodia addressed his supporters, stating, "Even if I am in jail for 7-8 months, don't feel sorry for me, be proud." He further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of framing him in a fake case and urged his supporters to fight on.
The CBI had previously called Sisodia for questioning on February 19 regarding allegations of corruption in the new liquor sale policy. The Delhi government had reverted to the old liquor policy and blamed Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for the loss of revenue worth crores of rupees. The BJP alleged that the Delhi government had gone back to the old liquor sale policy to cover up corruption in the excise department held by Sisodia.
The CBI has named seven accused in the liquor policy case chargesheet, which has no mention of Sisodia. However, the CBI is focusing on the alleged influence of a "South Lobby" of businessmen and politicians in making the Delhi liquor policy.
The AAP has alleged that the BJP at the centre is behind the Lieutenant Governor's decision to send the CBI after Sisodia. The liquor policy case has become one of the many friction points between the AAP and the Lieutenant Governor, and by extension, the centre.
Sisodia's arrest has drawn support from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who tweeted, "God is with you, Manish. The blessings of lakhs of children and their parents are with you." He further urged Sisodia to return soon, and Delhi would be waiting for him.
The AAP has been embroiled in a political battle with the BJP at the centre, with the Lieutenant Governor often serving as a proxy. The recent mayor election saw the Supreme Court agreeing with the AAP's request that members of Delhi's civic body nominated by the Lieutenant Governor cannot vote. In November 2022, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP, with the Lieutenant Governor as a proxy, wanted to harm the AAP's election campaign in Gujarat, Modi's home state. The BJP won the polls.
Sisodia's roadshow amidst corruption allegations in the new liquor sale policy has highlighted the ongoing political friction between the AAP and the Lieutenant Governor, with the centre often serving as a proxy for the BJP. The arrest of Sisodia has drawn support from AAP leaders, and the party has accused the BJP at the centre of framing Sisodia in a fake case.