How Sisodia's arrest might lead to governance crisis in Delhi?

The CBI said that it has arrested Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia after he gave evasive replies and did not cooperate investigation despite being confronted with evidence.

The CBI on Sunday arrested Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with alleged corruption in the now-scrapped excise policy relating to the sale of alcohol.

This development possibly leads to a crisis in the Delhi government as Sisodia handled 18 of the total 33 departments. He looked after departments such as health, education, public works department (PWD), services, finance, power, home and urban development.

He is also in charge of all other departments not specifically allotted to any minister. Apart from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi government has six cabinet ministers, including jailed Satyendar Jain who is still a minister without a portfolio, PTI reported.

Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year in connection with a money laundering case. Environment Minister Gopal Rai has only three departments while Imran Hussain is in charge of only two departments -- food and civil supplies, and election. Kailash Gahlot is in charge of six departments, including revenue, and transport while Raj Kumar Anand has four portfolios.

The absence of Sisodia along with Jain leaves Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with no heavyweight lieutenant to implement his governance agenda in Delhi.

According to PTI sources, the forthcoming Delhi budget might be be presented by Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot.

Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday evening in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.

What CBI said?
The CBI said that it has arrested Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia after he gave evasive replies and did not cooperate the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary.

"However, he sought time of one week citing his pre-occupation. Accepting his request, he was issued a notice under Section 41A Cr.P.C for attending the investigation today (on February 26, 2023) for answering various questions evaded by him during his examination on October 17, 2022, and further questions relating to his incriminating role based on evidence collected during the investigation of the case. However, he gave evasive replies and did not cooperate the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary. Therefore, he has been arrested. The arrested accused will be produced before the Designated Court in Delhi," the CBI said in a statement.