Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation from his post, effective within 48 hours, in what political analysts have described as a strategic move amid ongoing legal battles and political turbulence.
Mr. Kejriwal, who has been at the helm of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the governance of Delhi, made the announcement to his party workers on September 15, 2024.
Kejriwal’s decision follows his release from Tihar Jail, where he was held in connection with a corruption case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
The Supreme Court granted him bail with stringent conditions, including restrictions on his administrative duties as the Chief Minister.
Despite the conditions, Kejriwal has maintained his innocence, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating his arrest as part of a broader political conspiracy to undermine AAP’s rising political influence.
The resignation announcement was met with varied reactions across the political spectrum. The BJP labeled the move a ‘PR stunt,’ suggesting that Mr. Kejriwal is attempting to salvage his image which they claim has been tarnished by allegations of corruption. BJP’s national spokesperson highlighted the perception shift from Arvind Kejriwal being seen as an honest leader to one embroiled in controversy, hinting at AAP’s potential decline in public trust.
This resignation has sparked speculation about AAP’s next Delhi Chief Minister and the party’s next steps, especially with upcoming elections in Haryana and the continuous political battle in Delhi.