By Abu Zafar, India Tomorrow,
New Delhi, 16 Feb 2014: Tribal teacher Soni Sori who was recently granted bail by Supreme Court in a case about her alleged link with Maoists will contest Lok Sabha election on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ticket from Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
“I got offer from AAP thrice and then I sought time to think about it and today I have decided for it.” Sori told India Tomorrow.
“There are some organizational procedures and they will be completed soon,” she added.
She said that on several issues she found herself thinking on the same line as AAP does.
“On several issues my views and AAP’s views are common and I think it is better to fight election on its ticket,” Sori added.
Asked why she wants to jump into political field, she said she wants to fight for justice for the people.
“I hope that I can fight for our people and present our issues before the masses.”
“The whole governance in Chhatisgarh is worst. Innocent people are being implicated in false cases and put behind bars. I hope I can do something for all suppressed people.”
Who is Soni Sori?
Sori’s nephew Lingaram Kodopi was arrested on 09 September 2011 from a weekly market in Palnar village in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district with allegedly Rs 15 lakh in cash. Police claimed Kodopi wanted to pay the amount to Maoists. Police also said that his aunt Soni Sori was also there, but she managed to escape. Sori was arrested later on 04 October 2011 in New Delhi and slapped with same charges.
A Chhattisgarh local court acquitted Soni Sori in five cases filed against her. Similarly, Kodopi was also acquitted in one of two cases filed against him. When they did not get bail they approached the apex court which first granted them interim bail and then permanent bail on 07 Feb 2014.
