Can Manish Sisodia Become Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Again? Know the Roadblocks

New Delhi: Following the release of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia from Tihar jail on August 9, after remaining behind bars for 17 months in connection with Delhi liquor policy case, speculation is rife about his possible return as the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi.

Sisodia had stepped down from the post of Deputy Chief Minister and his berth in the Delhi Cabinet in February last year, days after he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the purported irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22. Currently, Manish Sisodia is an MLA.

During his tenure as a Cabinet minister, Sisodia held 18 crucial portfolios, including education, finance, planning, land and building, vigilance services, women and child development, as well as art, culture and languages, among others. The AAP leader cannot hold any ministerial berth till the time he takes oath again.

It is to be noted that many AAP leaders and supporters strongly advocate for Sisodia's swift return to the ministerial fold, arguing that his past performance, coupled with the current political scenario — given Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is still behind bars — makes Sisodia an ideal person to head the government in the national capital.

However, despite the growing chorus within the AAP for Sisodia's reinstatement as Deputy CM, some technical challenges lie ahead acting as significant roadblocks, with first and the foremost being CM Kejriwal's imprisonment as only the Chief Minister has the authority to appoint ministers in his Cabinet and, since he himself is behind bars, he is unable to sign the necessary documents, and hence, cannot recommend Sisodia's reappointment.

Different Rule for Appointment of Minister in Delhi

Further, the process of appointing a Cabinet minister in Delhi — a Union Territory (UT) — is different from that of a full-fledged state. In case of Delhi, the Chief Minister's recommendation must be routed through the Lieutenant Governor to the President of India. A new minister can be sworn-in in Delhi only after getting consent from the President.

As per media sources, with Delhi heading towards assembly elections in the next six months, Kejriwal-led party is deeply engrossed in internal discussions regarding Sisodia’s role.

Additionally, concerns about the health of both Sisodia and his wife are weighing heavily on the party’s leadership. The ultimate decision on his role rests with Sisodia. It is upto him to decide whether to rejoin the government now or to guide other ministers in their responsibilities from behind the scenes.