AAP prepares for Delhi assembly polls; Manish Sisodia to launch foot march on August 14

Sisodia, a close ally of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was recently granted bail after spending 17 months in jail related to the excise policy case.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia will embark on a foot march starting August 14 to engage with residents across Delhi, the party announced on Sunday. This initiative follows a strategy meeting with AAP's top leadership to plan for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, which are scheduled for early next year.

The meeting, attended by senior AAP figures including Delhi ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Gopal Rai, as well as Rajya Sabha MPs Sanjay Singh and Sandeep Pathak, focused on the electoral strategy and political climate in Delhi, according to a PTI report. Gopal Rai, who is also the convener of the party's Delhi unit, and Pathak, the AAP's national general secretary (organization), participated in the discussions.

Pathak said that Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, will meet with MLAs on Monday and party councillors on Tuesday. Sisodia's foot march, aimed at connecting with Delhi's residents, is set to begin on August 14, the report added.

Pathak said, "It has become clear to the people of the country that the BJP has only one agenda—to stop our work and break our party. Despite these challenges, AAP has remained resilient and continues to deliver effective work."

Sisodia, a close ally of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was recently granted bail after spending 17 months in jail related to the excise policy case. The Supreme Court had rebuked lower courts for the prolonged detention without trial, citing a denial of Sisodia's right to speedy justice.

Sisodia's release is seen as a significant boost for AAP, which is currently managing the absence of its national convener Kejriwal and senior leader Satyendar Jain. Pathak mentioned that discussions about Sisodia's potential roles within the party or government will occur in the near future.

Additionally, Pathak reported positive developments in AAP's campaign in Haryana, where the party plans to contest all 90 assembly seats.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj noted the heightened enthusiasm among AAP leaders and supporters since Sisodia's release, mentioning that celebratory activities, such as distributing sweets, have been taking place. Bharadwaj expressed confidence that Delhi voters will decisively support AAP in the forthcoming elections, potentially denying the BJP any seats.

(With inputs from PTI)