Former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia is set to launch a padyatra (foot march) across Delhi on Friday, coinciding with the birthday of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Sisodia, who was recently released on bail after spending 17 months in jail on corruption and money laundering charges, will start his march from DDA Flats in Kalkaji at 6.30 pm.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced the march in a post on X, referring to Sisodia as the “father of the education revolution” and highlighting his role in the party’s campaign for the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi and Haryana. With Kejriwal currently imprisoned, Sisodia, a close aide and former deputy, has assumed responsibility for leading the party’s efforts.

Sisodia has stated that he is not seeking any government position and plans to undertake padyatras in each assembly constituency of Delhi. “My role in the party is decided by discussions with party leaders and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. For now, the plan is for me to engage directly with people in every street through these padyatras,” Sisodia told news agency ANI.

Initially scheduled for the eve of Independence Day, the march was postponed due to security concerns. AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj noted that the padyatra’s start date aligns with Kejriwal’s birthday, which, according to the Hindu calendar, is celebrated on Janmashtami but falls on August 16 in the Gregorian calendar.

Sisodia expressed hope for a favorable outcome for Kejriwal when his case is heard by the Supreme Court. He reiterated his belief in the Constitution’s ability to protect opposition leaders from what he describes as dictatorial actions by the government.