Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia Wednesday met Class 10 and 12 toppers from Delhi government schools, facilitated by AAP MLAs from their respective constituencies.
In a post on X, Sisodia said: “It’s been eight days since the CBSE results were announced—and yet, Delhi’s Chief Minister hasn’t found it necessary to congratulate even the toppers of her own government schools. Such indifference? Such apathy?”
Addressing the students, Sisodia said, “All of you have not only made yourselves proud but have also brought glory to your schools, your parents, and the entire city of Delhi with your exceptional performance.”
Sisodia claimed that the tradition of meeting board exam toppers from Delhi government schools began in 2015, when the AAP formed the government.
“I may not be the Education Minister anymore, but I continue this tradition not in any official capacity, but as Manish Sisodia. And this will continue in the future as well,” he said.
He also said the state of government schools in Delhi had changed significantly over the past decade.
Story continues below this ad
“There were no desks, no blackboards, no fans in the classrooms. The walls and windows were broken, and the toilets were in miserable condition—this was the image of government schools. But we changed that,” he said.
According to a statement by the AAP, a Class 10 topper from a government school in New Kondli became emotional while meeting Sisodia and told him, “You transformed our schools—you made them world-class.”
The student said she aspired to join the civil services and was already preparing for the UPSC examination.
“Our family’s financial situation isn’t great—my father is a tailor—but my parents never held back in supporting my education. My teachers also stood by me at every step,” she said, as per the party’s statement.
Story continues below this ad
Sia, a Class 12 topper, stated, “After completing my higher studies, I want to enter the banking sector and raise awareness among people on how to better manage and invest their funds.”
Another student from Veer Savarkar Sarvodaya School said, “I scored well in the board exams, but I believe that more important than marks is what and how much you’ve truly learned in life.”
Ansh Kumar Rai, a Class 12 topper, said, “My father is a driver and my mother is a housewife, but they’ve always supported me in my studies. I want to become a Chartered Accountant and support my family.”
Another topper, according to the party statement, shared, “My father is a daily wage labourer. I’ve faced financial hurdles throughout my education, but I never stopped working hard. I will now prepare for UPSC and one day become an officer to help economically weaker children like myself.”
Story continues below this ad
A parent said, as per the party, “I suffered significant losses in business, which led me to admit my daughter in a government school. But when I visited the school for the first time, it didn’t seem any less than a top private school. People often ignore children studying in government schools, but Arvind Kejriwal ji and Manish Sisodia ji have completely transformed them. That’s why our children are now achieving so much. Maybe Delhi made a mistake this time, but we will correct it.”
Another parent said, “It feels amazing to be invited by Manish Sisodia ji—the man who transformed the entire education system. It’s an honour to meet him today.”
Sisodia on X compared the current government’s response with past practices.
“Since 2015, the names [of toppers] were announced the very same day. Both the Chief Minister and I would congratulate the children. Within two or three days, the CM would personally invite several toppers home, visit their houses, offer congratulations. All toppers from government schools would be honoured along with their parents and teachers at Tyagaraj Stadium.”
Story continues below this ad
He added, “But today, the chair of power has grown so big that the hard work of children, their passion, their dreams—all seem too small in comparison. Delhi’s new rulers are afraid to look into the eyes of these children. This isn’t just insensitivity—it’s a moral collapse in politics.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta congratulated students on May 13, the day when results were declared, as she took to a post on X, saying, “This success is a testament to your hard work, discipline and determination. May you remain dedicated to your goals and touch new heights in life. To those who didn’t get the desired result — this is just a stop, not the limit of your capabilities.”
