Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today broke down in tears and said he was missing his jailed colleague and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia during the inauguration of a new school in the city.
Mr Sisodia has been in jail since February in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor scam.
Tears welling up in his eyes, the Chief Minister said at the event, "I am missing Manish ji a lot today. He had started this. It was his dream that every child should get the best possible education... He has been jailed because he has been building good schools and ensuring proper education for children."
In a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr Kejriwal, who is also the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said in Hindi, "These people want to ensure that Delhi's revolution in education is finished. We will not let that happen."
Amid cheers from the crowd, Mr Kejriwal continued, "They levelled false allegations, filed false cases and have kept such a good man in jail. Why have they jailed him? There are so many dacoits roaming free in the country. If Manish Sisodia had not been ensuring good education and helping build good schools, he would not have been sent to jail."
The Chief Minister added "they are pained" that good schools are being built and good things are being said about the AAP.
Stating that Mr Sisodia would not have been in jail if he was not working for the people, Mr Kejriwal said, "We have to fulfill his dreams and ensure his work does not stop. I have full faith that he will be released soon. The truth cannot lose. God helps people who walk the path of truth. But until he is freed, we have to work doubly hard in this sector and ensure the best-possible education for children."
On Monday, the Delhi High Court had turned down Mr Sisodia's request for interim bail in the Delhi liquor policy case. The AAP leader had sought release on the ground of being the sole caretaker of his ailing wife. The judge had, however, allowed Mr Sisodia to meet his wife in custody for one day as per her convenience between 10 am and 5 pm.
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