Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resigning is a shocking move that sent shock waves throughout Delhi's politics circles, declaring that he will step down in two days, but only after a meeting of AAP MLAs with the task of selecting a new interim Chief Minister is held. Kejriwal declared that he would step down in two days while addressing Aam Aadmi Party workers yesterday during a party meeting. Kejriwal underlined that he will return to the top post only after getting the people's mandate in the elections. "I will not sit on that chair until the people of Delhi announce their verdict. I got justice from the legal court, now I will seek justice from the people's court," he said while demanding that the Delhi elections, originally scheduled for February.
Political Storm in Delhi
Kejriwal's resignation has evoked a flurry of reactions as the news spreads across political lines. AAP leaders term this as a strategic play to regain people's trust at a time when political and legal pressure forces him strongly. To this, the opposition claims it's an unwanted political drama that is not needed at all. The BJP was quick to ask questions about Kejriwal's decision, with party leader Harish Khurana criticizing the delayed resignation. "If he wants to resign, why wait for 48 hours? This is drama," Khurana said. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva made similar comments, saying, "The verdict of the people in the Lok Sabha elections is already out. Why ask again?" While AAP's Delhi chief Arvind Kejriwal announced the decision, the Delhi Congress welcomed it, but expressed frustration that it didn't happen sooner, especially when the capital was grappling with the recent flood crisis. "Better late than never," said Delhi Congress chief Devendra Yadav .
AAP's Political Strategy
In the meanwhile, controversies are multiplying, including that of Delhi's now-cancelled liquor policy where AAP leaders, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, had become embroiled. Reiterating his and Sisodia's innocence, Kejriwal said both the leaders would leave their political fate to people. He again accused the Narendra Modi-led central government with indulging in political vendetta against opposition leaders by drawing a comparison with British-era dictatorial practices. They won't quit, said Kejriwal while pointing out it is a new game played by the BJP. He made a mention of all the other cases against the chief ministers of non-BJP states like Siddaramaiah in Karnataka, Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala, Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal as examples of destabilization by the central government against the state governments.
What's Next for Delhi?
The challenge now is who will replace Kejriwal as the caretaker Chief Minister, and how the consequent elections would write the next chapter of governance in Delhi. The AAP is at a critical juncture in maintaining its stronghold while the BJP and Congress are putting in all efforts to raise a whirlwind in the electoral battle.
Inputs by Agencies
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