In a surprising move, Shanta Kumar, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, has publicly expressed his support for Manish Sisodia, who was granted bail after spending 17 months in jail. This statement by Kumar stands in stark contrast to the BJP's ongoing efforts to target AAP leaders, including Sisodia, over the controversial Delhi liquor policy case.

In a press release, Kumar, aged 89, remarked, “The readers will be stunned, and many of my friends will be annoyed, but I want to say openly that I am sympathetic to Manish Sisodia, who has been released on bail by the Supreme Court after 17 months. I am thrilled after his release.” His remarks underscore a notable divergence from the BJP's official stance, which has been critical of AAP's handling of the Delhi excise policy.

Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, was granted bail on August 9 by the Supreme Court. The Court's decision came after a review of the lower courts' findings, which had attributed delays in Sisodia's trial to him. The Supreme Court ruled that it would be a ‘travesty of justice’ to deny bail and relegate Sisodia to the trial court under the current circumstances.

In his statement, Kumar also highlighted the origins of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), noting that it emerged from the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare. Kumar praised AAP for its electoral success, noting that it won 67 out of 70 seats in its first election and repeated its performance in 2020, which he believes reflects the party's commitment to honest governance and voter trust.

Also Read : Election Commission Reviews Poll Preparedness in Haryana Ahead of Assembly Elections

Kumar's support for Sisodia is especially notable given his long-standing association with the BJP. As a veteran leader, Kumar has served as Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, held various ministerial positions, and has been elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times. His current stance presents a significant departure from his party's usual rhetoric against AAP.

The AAP, meanwhile, has framed Sisodia's bail as a "tight slap" to the "dictatorship" of the BJP-led Centre but has expressed frustration over the delay in securing justice for their leaders. The party also anticipates similar relief for its other imprisoned leaders, including AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal, who remains in custody in connection with the same case.

Sisodia was initially arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year for alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The case has also seen Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal behind bars, reflecting the broader implications of the scandal on AAP's leadership.

Kumar’s remarks add an unexpected layer to the ongoing political discourse, challenging both the BJP's position and the broader narrative surrounding the Delhi liquor policy case.

Check latest IPO Review & analysis, Live GMP today, Live Subscription Status Today, Share Price, Financial Information, latest IPO news, Upcoming IPO News before applying in the IPO. The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Utssav Cz Gold Jewels Limited, Dhariwalcorp Limited, Ola Electric Mobility Limited, Ceigall India Limited, Afcom Holdings Limited, Picture Post Studios Limited IPO.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst & Finance Saathi Telegram Channel for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Updates

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX & Upstox.