The Delhi Assembly elections are rapidly approaching, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is pulling out all the stops to ensure its continued success in the national capital. At a public rally held in Jangpura on Sunday, Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of AAP, made a bold and clear commitment about the future of the party. He declared that if AAP wins the upcoming election and retains its position in power in Delhi, Manish Sisodia will once again be appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. Kejriwal's statement is a direct message to the people of Delhi about the party’s unwavering stance and leadership, despite the challenges faced by Sisodia in recent months.
In a passionate address to the crowd, Kejriwal expressed his confidence in his party’s success and his trust in Sisodia’s leadership. "Everyone is saying AAP will form the government in Delhi. In our next government as well, Manish Sisodia will be the Deputy Chief Minister," Kejriwal said emphatically, speaking directly to the gathered audience. He further praised Sisodia, describing him as his "commander and younger brother" and highlighting their shared vision for transforming Delhi’s educational landscape. Kejriwal emphasized that their government would continue to focus on improving government schools, ensuring that the children of Delhi receive the best education possible. If the AAP were to secure a third consecutive term, Kejriwal vowed to build on their successes in the education sector, making it one of their central priorities.
While Kejriwal’s endorsement of Sisodia was the highlight of the rally, the AAP leader also took the opportunity to attack the opposition, specifically the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kejriwal warned voters not to make the mistake of supporting the BJP, claiming that the party had failed to deliver on its promises and had caused significant setbacks in the constituencies it had won in previous elections. He pointed to BJP-ruled constituencies where he alleged that no meaningful work had been done, stating, "Last time, BJP MLAs won in eight constituencies, and they turned those areas into a mess. They did not allow any work to be done. If you vote for BJP even by mistake, everything will be ruined." Kejriwal’s remarks were a sharp critique of BJP’s governance and a call for the people of Delhi to trust AAP, which he claimed had been focused on the welfare of the city’s residents, particularly in terms of education and public services.
Sisodia, who was also present at the rally, expressed his own confidence in his electoral prospects and reassured his supporters that his victory would benefit not just him but the entire community. Sisodia, who has faced significant challenges over the past year, particularly following his arrest in the Delhi liquor policy case, made it clear that his loyalty to the people of Delhi remained steadfast. "If I win, it's not just me but every brother and sister in Jangpura who will become the Deputy Chief Minister," he said, reinforcing his commitment to serving the people of his constituency. Sisodia’s words were powerful, as he promised that a single call from anyone in his constituency would be enough to get their work done in any government office. He reassured his supporters that no official would dare ignore the call of a Deputy Chief Minister from their constituency, highlighting the influence and power that the people of Jangpura would wield if he were re-elected.
Kejriwal also made a pointed attack on the BJP’s stance regarding government schools, criticizing their lack of support for the city’s education system. He emphasized the progress that had been made under AAP’s leadership and contrasted it with the BJP’s alleged plans to dismantle government schools. "Manish Sisodia and I have worked together to improve schools. Now, the BJP says they'll shut them down if they come to power. You must choose between a party that builds schools and one that shuts them," Kejriwal remarked, reinforcing his message that AAP was the only party committed to advancing education in the city. The contrast between AAP's commitment to improving government schools and the BJP's stance on shutting them down was a central theme of Kejriwal's speech, appealing to voters who value the importance of education for their children’s future.
The rally also served as a platform for Sisodia to speak about his personal experiences during his time in jail. Sisodia had been arrested in connection with the controversial Delhi liquor policy case in 2023, and he spent nearly 17 months in jail before being granted bail by the Supreme Court in 2024. During his incarceration, Sisodia claimed that the BJP had attempted to lure him away from AAP by offering him the position of Chief Minister. He revealed that the BJP had even threatened him with an extended jail sentence unless he switched allegiances. "Join the BJP, and we will break up AAP MLAs, we will make you Chief Minister," Sisodia recounted, claiming that the BJP’s offer was an attempt to weaken AAP’s position and strengthen their own hold on Delhi politics. Sisodia’s account of the BJP’s tactics has added fuel to the fire of the ongoing political battle between AAP and BJP, with each party accusing the other of underhanded political maneuvers.
As the Delhi Assembly elections draw nearer, the stakes are high for both AAP and BJP, and the outcome will have a lasting impact on the political landscape of the national capital. Kejriwal and Sisodia’s campaign, which focuses on education reforms, public services, and transparency in governance, continues to resonate with many voters. The AAP leadership has consistently championed the cause of ordinary people, especially in the areas of health and education, and their promises for a third term in office will likely be a key factor in determining the election results.
In contrast, the BJP has struggled to shake off its reputation for failing to deliver on its promises, particularly in the realm of public services. The coming weeks will be crucial for both parties as they try to sway the electorate and secure a mandate. As Kejriwal and Sisodia make their case for continued governance, the question on many minds will be whether the people of Delhi will choose to support the party that has brought significant changes to the city's education system or whether they will opt for a change in leadership with the BJP. The outcome of the election will undoubtedly shape the future of Delhi, with education and public welfare likely remaining at the forefront of the political debate.
