Arvind Kejriwal Announces Resignation After Bail: Calls for People’s Verdict

In a surprising political move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation from the top post during a party meeting, just two days after being granted bail. Kejriwal, who has been at the center of political controversies and legal battles, expressed his intent to step down in order to seek the approval of the people of Delhi for his return to the post. The resignation adds another chapter to the ongoing political turmoil in Delhi and has sparked reactions from various political parties, including the BJP and Congress.

Kejriwal’s Announcement of Resignation

• Kejriwal announced that he would resign as Delhi Chief Minister, stating, “Two days later, I will resign as Chief Minister. I will not sit on that chair till the people announce their verdict. Elections in Delhi are months away. I got justice from the legal court, now I will get justice from the people’s court.”
• The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader emphasized his commitment to seeking public approval, stating that he will sit on the CM’s chair “only after the order of the people.”
• He further added, “I want to ask the people of Delhi, is Kejriwal innocent or guilty? If I have worked, vote for me.” A meeting of AAP MLAs is set to be held within the next two days to select a new Chief Minister for Delhi.

Demand for Early Elections

• Kejriwal also requested that the upcoming Delhi elections, scheduled for February, be held in November alongside the polls in Maharashtra.
• He revealed that a member of AAP will be named as the interim Chief Minister after his resignation.

Attack on the Modi Government

• During his address, Kejriwal launched a strong attack on the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of being more dictatorial than the British regime.
• He stated that he did not resign earlier, despite his arrest, to protect democracy. “They have registered cases against [Karnataka Chief Minister] Siddaramaiah, [Kerala Chief Minister] Pinarayi Vijayan, [Bengal Chief Minister] Mamata didi [Banerjee]. I want to appeal to non-BJP, do not resign if they register cases against you. This is their new game,” he said.

Discussion with Manish Sisodia

• Kejriwal also mentioned his conversation with Manish Sisodia, former Deputy Chief Minister, who was recently granted bail in a case concerning Delhi’s liquor policy.
• Sisodia has echoed Kejriwal’s stance, saying, “I spoke to Manish, he too has said that he will handle the post only after the people say we are honest. My and Sisodia’s fate are in your hands now.”

Strategic Discussions within AAP

• According to AAP sources, Kejriwal had already informed top party leaders about his decision to resign in a meeting held yesterday.
• A subsequent meeting was held at Manish Sisodia’s residence, where the party chalked out the strategy behind Kejriwal’s resignation and future political steps.

BJP’s Response to Kejriwal’s Resignation

• Harish Khurana from the BJP criticized Kejriwal, stating that the resignation move was merely a political drama. “Why after 48 hours? He should resign today. In the past too, he has done this. People of Delhi are asking, he can’t go to the secretariat, can’t sign documents? What is the point then?” he remarked.
• On being questioned about readiness for early elections, Khurana asserted, “We are ready, whether it is today or tomorrow. We will return to power in Delhi after 25 years.”

Reactions from Other Political Parties

• The Delhi Congress welcomed Kejriwal’s resignation, with Delhi Congress chief Devendra Yadav saying, “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.”
• Addressing the resignation, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said, “The people have announced their verdict three months back during the Lok Sabha polls. You had roamed Delhi streets and asked for votes. The people gave their answer and put you in your place.”

Statements from Prominent Figures

• Manish Sisodia, following Kejriwal’s lead, announced that he too would step down if the public does not approve of his honesty. “I will sit on the Deputy Chief Minister’s chair only when the people approve my honesty,” he declared.
• Social activist Anna Hazare responded to the resignation, saying, “I told him since the beginning that you should not join politics but serve the people. We have worked together for many years, and today what had to happen has happened.”
• Aditya Thackeray, in support of Kejriwal, remarked, “Central agencies are being run from BJP’s office itself. Arvind Kejriwal is a fearless leader. He is fighting for the Constitution and the country without any fear.”

Kejriwal’s Final Words

• In his closing remarks, Kejriwal said, “They [BJP] accused me of theft, corruption, deceiving Bharat Mata. I came to do something for my nation. When Lord Ram came after 14 years, Maa Sita had to give an ‘agnipariksha,’ I am also ready to give my ‘agnipariksha.'”
• He added, “If you think I am honest, vote for me in large numbers. I will sit on the CM’s chair only after being elected. I demand elections be held in November with Maharashtra elections.”

Source: NDTV and Times of India