In a significant political development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday, 13th September, that he would be resigning from his post within the next two days. This decision follows his release on bail after spending 177 days in jail in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. Speaking from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) headquarters, Kejriwal declared that his resignation was inevitable, as the BJP had accused him of corruption and dishonesty, claims he vehemently denied. Kejriwal has now left it to the public to judge his integrity.
Addressing party members and supporters, Kejriwal said, “The BJP has accused me of dishonesty and corruption, and now the people will decide my honesty in the people’s court.” He further explained that a new chief minister would be chosen within the next two or three days during a meeting of AAP MLAs. Kejriwal emphasized that he would not assume any office until the elections were held and the public re-elected him. His close associate and former deputy CM Manish Sisodia also made it clear that he would not take any position in the government.
Atishi, Delhi’s cabinet minister, explained the two-day period Kejriwal had asked for, stating, “Today is Sunday, and Monday is Eid, a public holiday. The next working day is 17th September. This is why Arvind has taken two days to resign.”
Coincidentally, 17th September is also the 74th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be spending part of the day in Gujarat before visiting Odisha. Kejriwal’s resignation on this day could spark further political developments and symbolism, as the AAP leader positions himself as a staunch opponent of the BJP’s policies.
Who Will Be the Next Delhi CM?
As Kejriwal steps down, speculation about his successor has already begun. Sources within the AAP have suggested several possible candidates, including Atishi, Kailash Gahlot, Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and even Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal. The party will finalize its decision in the next two to three days, appointing a caretaker CM until the Delhi Assembly elections.
While stepping down as CM, Arvind Kejriwal will now turn his attention toward election campaigning, especially in Haryana, where voting is scheduled for 5th October. AAP has fielded candidates on all 90 seats, and with no alliance with Congress in the state, Kejriwal is expected to play a prominent role in the campaign. Additionally, he may also campaign for AAP in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections.
Kejriwal’s resignation has opened a new chapter in Delhi politics. The move is also strategic, as he is still bound by Supreme Court orders that restrict him from visiting his office or signing any government files, even after being released from jail. The AAP government will now operate on the strength of the cabinet, with no direct involvement from Kejriwal.
With only five months remaining in the current Delhi Assembly’s term, Kejriwal is likely to capitalize on public sympathy in the upcoming elections. AAP has already begun demanding that the elections be held earlier than scheduled to maximize the political momentum Kejriwal has gained after his release. His resignation could also serve as a strategic response to BJP’s repeated demands for his removal following his arrest.
Since Kejriwal’s arrest, BJP leaders have consistently called for his resignation, citing his involvement in the liquor policy case. By stepping down now, Kejriwal could potentially turn the tables on the BJP by claiming that he has voluntarily resigned in response to public and legal pressure, allowing him to counter future criticisms more effectively.
