As Arvind Kejriwal looks at busy campaign season, Manish Sisodia's clout 'set to rise'

NEW DELHI: With Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal set to spend a substantial amount of time campaigning in poll-bound states and his deputy Manish Sisodia increasingly taking over his official works, the latter's clout in the government affairs is "set to grow".

Sisodia today convened a meeting of MLAs of South Delhi on development works at Secretariat here.

When in the capital, Chief Minister Kejriwal calls meetings of MLAs on issues pertaining to their areas.

Though the government is unlikely to make an official announcement in this regard, Sisodia would also be taking care of important files normally routed through Chief Minister's Office.

"As the CM will be busy with campaigning in poll-bound states including Punjab, Goa and Gujarat in coming days, Sisodia will take over chief ministerial responsibilities.

"Today, Sisodia's meeting with South Delhi MLAs clearly suggests his increasing clout in the government affairs," a source said.

In recent past, many AAP government and party advertisements have carried Sisodia's pictures.

Led by its convener Kejriwal, AAP is gearing up for the Assembly elections in Goa, Punjab and Gujarat, scheduled for next year.

Sources also said the Deputy CM will hold district-wise meetings with MLAs on development works, where he will discuss issues with officials concerned.

In the Kejriwal government, Sisodia, who has charge of 11 departments, is holding key portfolios including finance, education, services, information technology, vigilance, law & justice, and revenue.

At present, Sisodia is looking after chief ministerial works as Kejriwal has gone on 10-day vipassana session in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.

When Kejriwal had gone to Bengaluru for treatment of cough, Sisodia had taken care of chief ministerial works.

After Sisodia, his Cabinet colleague Satyendar Jain has responsibilities of maxim seven departments. Last month, Sisodia was relieved of the charge of Urban Development and it was given to Jain.