The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government was planning to establish “I love Manish Sisodia” desks in government-run schools, reported news agency PTI. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor claimed the move was to garner support in favour of Sisodia, who was arrested by CBI in connection with alleged corruption in the now-withdrawn liquor policy.
Sisodia, who held 18 portfolios in the Delhi government, including excise and education, quit on Tuesday. Besides being Kejriwal's most-trusted lieutenant, Sisodia is also the face of reforms initiated by the Kejriwal government in Delhi in the education department.
Launching a scathing attack on the AAP government, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said, "The Delhi government is not stopping its dirty politics in the name of education and has now stooped as low as to involving innocent school kids in it."
He described AAP’s move to set-up “I Love Manish Sisodia” desks in schools as regrettable behaviour.
"Under the patronage of Delhi government, special 'I love Manish Sisodia' desks will be set up in government schools to garner forced support for Sisodia from students," the BJP leader said.
He further added, "Delhi BJP strongly condemns this dirty politics of forcing school kids to support Sisodia and urge that this 'I love Manish Sisodia' desk scheme be immediately shelved."
Countering his claims, the Delhi government in an official statement said, “There is no involvement of any government department or government employee in any such activity. It is just BJP agenda.”
Amid the brewing controversy, senior AAP leaders shared messages written for Sisodia by students.
AAP leader and Kalkaji (South) MLA Atishi Marlena said, “BJP people: No matter how many false allegations you make, but the love that the children of Delhi have got Manish Sisodia, you cannot shake it,” as quoted by news agency PTI.
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Atishi is expected to join the Delhi Cabinet as a minister after Sisodia’s arrest.
While commenting on the matter, National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights chairperson Priyank Kanoongo tweeted, “Complaints have been received in Delhi about the use of children by setting up stalls outside schools for the defence of liquor scam accused detained in jail and glorification of criminals in the soft minds of children.”
Multiple BJP leaders had tagged him and alleged that parents were being put under pressure by AAP to get such texts written for Sisodia.