In a surprising move, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has announced his resignation just days after being granted bail in the alleged liquor policy scam case. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March 2024, was released on 13th September 2024 after receiving a 6-month bail.

Two days later, on 15th September, Kejriwal addressed the public and declared that he would resign from the post of chief minister, saying he would not return until he received a "certificate of honesty" from the people of Delhi.

In his statement, Kejriwal said, "Today I have come to ask the public whether you consider Kejriwal honest or a criminal… I will resign from the post of chief minister two days from today 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 an 'agnipariksha' (trial by fire) after coming out of jail."

Kejriwal's resignation will likely be formalised on 17th September 2024. In the meantime, AAP MLAs are expected to hold meetings to select a new Chief Minister within the next 48 hours. Some of the top contenders speculated for the position are Kejriwal’s wife Sunita, Education Minister Atishi Marlena, and Environment Minister Gopal Rai.

Both AAP and the opposition BJP are calling for early elections in Delhi, hoping for the polls to be held in November 2024 alongside the Maharashtra Assembly elections, rather than the originally scheduled date in February.

Kejriwal’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions. The BJP dismissed his move as a "PR exercise," with BJP leader Harish Khurana asking, "Why after 48 hours? He should resign today. He has done this before. People of Delhi are asking, he can't go to the secretariat, can't sign documents? What is the point then?... We are ready, whether it is today or tomorrow. We will return to power in Delhi after 25 years."

Delhi Congress, on the other hand welcomed Kejriwal's resignation. Delhi Congress chief Devendra Yadav commented, "It would have been better if he had resigned when Delhi was facing floods and drinking water shortage. I hope Delhi soon gets a new chief minister who can go to his office and sign files."

For a detailed video on the alleged liquor policy scam involving Kejriwal, watch ISH News' coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiUAp6aN8Sk 

The situation remains fluid as Delhi awaits the next steps from AAP and the possible selection of a new leader.

Tags

• Arvind
• CM
• Resignation
• Delhi

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