Just two days after his release from Delhi’s Tihar Jail, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his resignation, surprising both his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) colleagues and political opponents from the BJP and Congress. Addressing AAP workers at the party office, Kejriwal declared that he does not seek power for its own sake and will not resume his position until he receives a “certificate of honesty” from the people.
Kejriwal was released on bail on Friday in connection with the excise policy corruption case. His unexpected resignation announcement has led to speculation about potential successors, including his wife Sunita and Delhi Ministers Atishi and Gopal Rai.
#WATCH | Delhi: On being asked why he(Delhi CM) needs two days time to resign, Delhi Minister Atishi says, "Today is Sunday, tomorrow is a holiday for Eid-e-Milad, so the next working day is Tuesday. That's why two days time" pic.twitter.com/QjFopplRsY
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2024
Reason Behind the 48-Hour Delay
Kejriwal stated, “I am going to resign after two days and ask people whether I am honest. Till they respond, I won’t sit on CM’s chair… I will only sit on CM’s chair after people give me a certificate of honesty. I want to give ‘agnipariksha’ (trial by fire) after coming out of jail.”
The BJP has criticized Kejriwal’s decision to delay his resignation, questioning the need for 48 hours. Delhi Minister Atishi explained that the timing is due to the weekend and a holiday for Eid-e-Milad, making the next working day Tuesday.
BJP’s Criticism
The BJP has alleged that Kejriwal’s request for 48 hours may be to find a replacement or make adjustments. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi remarked, “Delhi’s voters rendered their verdict three months ago, resulting in the loss of all seven seats. The entire council of ministers should resign and let elections be held in November. The public is fed up with them.”
BJP leader Harish Khurana questioned the delay, asking why Kejriwal does not resign immediately. He suggested that Kejriwal’s actions are part of a theatrical performance and criticized the need for a delay in resignation.
Congress Responds
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit criticized Kejriwal’s move as a gimmick, saying, “There is no question of becoming the CM again. We have been saying for a long time that he should resign as Chief Minister. This is merely a gimmick.” Dikshit added that the Supreme Court’s conditions, which prevent Kejriwal from going to the Chief Minister’s office or signing papers, are unprecedented and imply a serious concern about potential tampering with evidence.
Kejriwal’s Call for Early Elections
In his address to AAP workers, Kejriwal called for Delhi to hold elections alongside Maharashtra’s upcoming assembly elections, expected in October. He suggested that until then, another AAP member should take over as Chief Minister. Reflecting on his past resignation in 2014 over the Jan Lokpal Bill, Kejriwal reiterated his lack of desire for power and emphasized that public opinion is more important to him than the BJP.
Kejriwal stated, “For me, the BJP is not important, people are important,” and expressed his desire to seek the people’s judgment on his honesty.
