As Arvind Kejriwal’s most trusted aide, Sisodia has kept the chief minister free to expand the party’s footprints nationallyNEW DELHI: The raid at the residence of deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, though widely expected to happen, has come as a big jolt to the AAP government. Party leaders said the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the excise policy and subsequent action by the central investigating agency was an “attempt” to stop the welfare schemes and improvement in health and education sectors. Sources confirmed that action against Sisodia will jeopardise the functioning of the government as he handles 18 most important portfolios, including home, finance, education, health, PWD, industry and tourism and is virtually carrying the government on his shoulders. Kejriwal’s most trusted aide, Sisodia has kept the chief minister free to expand the party’s footprints nationally. If Kejriwal gets to play a larger role, Sisodia will ensure that he is not tied down to Delhi. When there was speculation that Kejriwal may take over as Punjab CM, Sisodia was being seen as the obvious successor in Delhi. Along with holding the designation of deputy chief minister, Sisodia initially helmed several important departments, including education, finance, public works, tourism, labour and employment among others. However, after the arrest of his cabinet colleague, Satyendar Jain, in June this year, the latter’s departments – health, home, power, water, urban development and industries – were also handed over to him. He also supervises other departments that have not been allotted to any other minister. “He is also overseeing all schemes related to the Rozgar budget. The entire plan to redevelop retail and wholesale markets, organise Delhi Shopping Festival, introduce a food truck policy, redevelop food hubs and set up an electronic city, which promise to create jobs, is being closely monitored by him on a daily basis,” said an official requesting anonymity. Sources confirmed not only important welfare schemes in Delhi will suffer a setback if Sisodia is arrested in the case, it will be a huge blow to the party’s expansion plans as Kejriwal might have to cut down on his expansion spree and personally look after a few departments. Sisodia has been Kejriwal’s fellow traveller since the days they together ran a non-profit organisation, Parivartan, in the first decade of this century. They joined Anna Hazare in 2011 to press for an anti-corruption body and later formed Aam Aadmi Party and came to power in Delhi. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebookTwitterInstagramKOO APPYOUTUBE
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/with-18-depts-under-sisodia-party-fears-progress-on-key-projects-may-be-halted/articleshow/93668257.cms
