Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Announces Resign in 48 hrs : ‘My Future Depends on Voters

In a surprising turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his resignation from the top post, leaving his political future in the hands of voters. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader made the declaration during a cabinet meeting with party officials, stating that a new Chief Minister would be selected within the next two days. Kejriwal emphasized that the decision to step down was his own, taken in light of recent developments surrounding his involvement in the liquor policy case.

Party to Choose New Delhi Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal informed the AAP leadership that a successor would be chosen during an upcoming legislative meeting. He clarified that Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia would not take over the role. Kejriwal added, “I have discussed this with Manish, and he agrees that neither of us should return to the Chief Minister’s office unless the people affirm their trust in our honesty.”

Kejriwal’s resignation marks a pivotal moment in Delhi politics. Party insiders revealed that discussions about this move were held in closed-door meetings involving top AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia. These meetings took place at Sisodia’s residence, where the strategy for Kejriwal’s resignation was finalized.

Call for Early Elections in Delhi

In a bold move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also demanded that the upcoming Delhi elections, scheduled for February 2025, be preponed and held in November 2024, alongside the Maharashtra elections. “The people of Delhi should be given the chance to elect their next leader sooner rather than later. Until that time, someone from AAP will lead the state as Chief Minister,” Kejriwal said.

Sources from within the AAP have confirmed that Kejriwal plans to vacate the Chief Minister’s residence within the next 15 days following his resignation. The decision has been described as a personal one, made without any external pressure.

Kejriwal’s Release from Prison and Resignation Decision

Kejriwal’s announcement came just days after he was released from Tihar Jail, where he had been held in connection with a corruption case linked to Delhi’s now-defunct liquor policy. Granted bail by the Supreme Court, the Delhi Chief Minister became the latest in a series of high-profile political figures to secure bail, following the release of other AAP leaders like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Vijay Nair.

Addressing party workers after his release, Kejriwal stated, “I will no longer occupy the Chief Minister’s chair until the people have spoken. My future, and that of my colleagues, is in the hands of voters.”

A Message to Non-BJP Leaders

In his address, Kejriwal also took the opportunity to advise opposition leaders across the country, urging them not to resign if faced with politically motivated charges. He stated, “They’ve targeted other Chief Ministers like Siddaramaiah, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Mamata Banerjee. This is a new tactic by the BJP. We must not succumb.”

Kejriwal criticized the central government, accusing it of being more authoritarian than British rule. Reflecting on his time in prison, he shared, “I only wrote one letter from jail, asking the Lieutenant Governor to allow Atishi to hoist the flag on Independence Day. Even that request was denied, and I was warned that if I continued to write, I wouldn’t be allowed to see my family.”

Gratitude Towards Delhi’s People

In his concluding remarks, Kejriwal expressed gratitude to the people of Delhi for their unwavering support. He also mentioned that other AAP leaders, such as Satyendar Jain and Amanatullah Khan, who remain incarcerated, would soon be released.

As the AAP prepares for this significant leadership change, Delhi awaits the appointment of a new Chief Minister, while Kejriwal’s future remains dependent on the will of the voters.