Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is currently in Finland on a study tour, has accused Times Now anchor Arnab Goswami of defaming him by alleging that the Deputy CM is holidaying abroad when the national capital is reeling under Chikungunya.

Sisodia took to Facebook to clarify that his sole purpose of the trip was to have discussions with senior officials of the Education Ministry of Finland to learn how to improve the education system in Delhi.

“Why are Mr Arnab Goswami & his political bosses spreading conspiracy against my efforts to improve education in Delhi? India’s education is in a mess and Mr Goswami is trying to defame me while I’m making efforts to improve it in Delhi,” wrote Sisodia.

Earlier this week, Goswami had targeted Sisodia on his prime time show, calling him irresponsible and that he should not be travelling abroad amidst a severe health crisis.

Here’s the video:

On Saturday, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung asked Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to return to Delhi immediately in the wake of sudden spurt in dengue and chikungunya cases in the national capital.

“The deputy CM has been asked to come back to Delhi immediately as the city is witnessing spurt in dengue and chikungunya cases,” a top source said.

Sisodia, who also hold the education portfolio, along with his officers are in Finland to study the education system of that country. Source said, besides Sisodia, all officers including Education Secretary have been directed to return to Delhi immediately. 

Earlier in the day, Congress activists observed ‘Bhagoda Divas’ in Delhi to protest against the alleged absence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Sisodia and other ministers from the national capital which is at present reeling under chikungunya and dengue outbreak.