India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha Member and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) spokesperson Sanjay Raut described the gathering at the launch of his book Unlikely Paradise as a congregation of “fearless” individuals, noting that several among them had also faced incarceration.
The book, Unlikely Paradise, is a collection of stories from Arthur Road prison, where Raut was lodged in 2022 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the Enforcement Directorate. The event, held at Mavlankar Hall in the Constitution Club of New Delhi, brought together several prominent political figures and public personalities.
Among those present were senior advocate and former Union Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh, and founder of 4PM News Sanjay Sharma. The event was conducted by Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale.
During the discussion, it was highlighted that Raut, Gokhale, Kejriwal, and Singh had all been imprisoned under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government on allegations of embezzlement and corruption, which were later dismissed by courts. Reflecting on the gathering, Sibal remarked that the evening was marked by sharp exchanges, humour, and recollections of prison experiences, as several Opposition leaders shared accounts of their incarceration for speaking against the government.
Speaking about his own experience, Raut said, “They will be wary of sending more opponents to prison henceforth. We have fought fear and we did not cry but fought back. Those sitting here are no less than the CM who was elected by people in Delhi, Hemant Soren, Maharashtra Home Minister, all were incarcerated.”
Sibal, addressing the audience, praised Raut’s resolve and acknowledged the support of his family during his imprisonment. He also criticised the state of the prison system, stating, “I appreciate Raut for showing courage. Our PM Narendra Modi says we want to get out of colonial mindset. Nothing is more colonial than our prisons. Reality is we have to defeat this government.”
Kejriwal, who was recently acquitted in a corruption case, alleged that institutions such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Election Commission were being used as instruments by the ruling government. Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “They are both losing popularity and are winning elections through unethical means. They use both, the EC and ED. The PM is losing popularity but still winning though devious ways like the SIR survey, by deleting lakhs of authentic voters and getting fake votes. This is being done through the EC. And they continue to scare the Opposition leaders through the ED.”
Sanjay Sharma of 4PM News spoke about challenges faced by independent media, recounting instances where his YouTube channel was allegedly taken down. “Every time I interviewed members of the Opposition parties my channel was pulled down or blocked by the government. Kejriwal and Raut fought for upholding democratic principles. This book is a lesson that tells us, the government is converting our country to hell. It reminds me, ‘Sansad awara aur sune raste’ (an irresponsible Parliament and empty roads),” he said.
Digvijaya Singh praised Raut’s commitment to the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and his resilience during imprisonment. “I appreciate the person who made a writing pad for Raut during his times in prison, because he wanted to write. Raut’s sense of humour is his biggest strength. I also admire the courage with which you stood by Balasaheb and Uddhav Thackeray. In today’s times, it is admirable,” Singh said.
Derek O’Brien, speaking on upcoming elections, expressed confidence about political developments in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. “On May 4, 2026, people will humiliate Modi and Shah. Picture abhi baki hai. Next big one February 2027, in UP. These two states will make it happen,” he said.
The event concluded with a mix of political commentary, personal reflections, and discussion around the themes explored in Unlikely Paradise, as leaders from various Opposition parties shared their experiences and perspectives.
