In a surprise announcement, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared on Sunday that he will resign from his position in two days and seek early elections for the national capital. He said he will not return to the chief minister’s chair until the people of Delhi give him a “certificate of honesty.” The BJP quickly denounced his move as a “PR exercise” and “drama.”
Kejriwal, who was released on bail from Tihar Jail on Friday in connection with the excise policy corruption case, said he would hold a meeting of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators soon. A party leader will temporarily assume the role of chief minister until Kejriwal is reinstated, if the public confirms his integrity.
“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,” Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal’s announcement has sparked speculation about potential replacements. Among the names being mentioned are his wife Sunita Kejriwal, who has played a significant role in party activities, Delhi Minister Atishi, known for managing 14 departments, and Gopal Rai, the AAP’s Delhi unit president.
Kejriwal also called for early elections in November to coincide with elections in Maharashtra. Elections in Delhi are scheduled to be held in February 2025.
“Delhi elections are due in February but I demand that the elections in the national capital be held in November along with Maharashtra,” he said.
Kejriwal said he wants to prove his commitment to honesty and is willing to undergo an “agnipariksha” (trial by fire) after his release from jail.
Kejriwal’s resignation a drama: BJP
In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticised Kejriwal, suggesting that the resignation is a strategic move to install his wife as chief minister. He alleged that Kejriwal is enacting the resignation “drama” because the court did not acquit him in the (excise policy scam) case and instead granted him a conditional bail that turned him into a “ceremonial minister from the chief minister”.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal defended his decision, recalling his previous resignation in 2014 over the Jan Lokpal Bill, which he said was made in defence of his principles.
He framed his current move as a demonstration of respect for democracy and the Constitution, asserting that the AAP is the only party capable of standing up to the BJP’s “conspiracies.”