In a move that has taken the political circle by surprise, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced he will resign in the next two days. The decision follows the Supreme Court granting him bail in a now-scrapped excise policy case. But why now? The timing has raised eyebrows, especially since Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail. The 56-year-old leader is known for his unconventional moves, but is this resignation about proving innocence or avoiding internal conflicts?
The Excise Policy Controversy and Kejriwal’s Resignation
This is after the Supreme Court ruled that any young person to remain in prison is an ‘unjust deprivation of liberty’ The court has since released him on bail but with certain conditions that have practically reduced him to a ‘figurehead’ chief minister. However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal vows that he will “go to the court of the people” which suggests that the intent of the AAP leader is to mobilize public opinion to clear his name.
But the timing of his resignation—48 hours after his bail—has left political critics asking: he took no action while jailed so, why didn’t he step down earlier, when still in jail? But what is there more in this decision that is hidden? As one would expect, opposition parties with the BJP leading the charge has been quick to seize on the opportunity claiming internal party struggle and corruption as the root causes.
Kejriwal Journey: From Jan Lokpal Bill to Delhi’s Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal’s political career started in 2011 where he was actively involved in the India against Corruption campaign. Casting the lot of this grassroots campaign, he went on to create the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the year 2012. AAP contested in the Delhi assembly elections in 2013 and won 28 of the total 70 seats leading Kejriwal to the Chief Minister’s seat.
However, within 49 days of his taking the office, he had to resign due to the numerous challenges that he faced to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill. His political bluff turned out to be lucky, AAP again emerged victorious in 2015 winning 67 out of 70 seats. Since then, Kejriwal has cemented himself as a key player in Indian politics. But now, with his resignation looming, is his political future at risk?
BJP’s Reaction: A Riddle Behind the 48-Hour Resignation Delay
With Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s decision of resignation, the new battle has begun in front of everyone. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi did not mince any words and asked the Delhi Chief Minister why did not quit while in jail and why did he wait for 48 hours after the bail was granted. Trivedi’s remarks raise a broader question: Yes, what is the necessity of Kejriwal to leave the position suddenly?
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva wasn’t satisfied with this, and accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of eroding the fabric of Delhi’s governance by backing corruption. Sachdeva said, ‘40 children died in Delhi due to AAP’s failure in cleaning drains and Kejriwal is fully responsible for this.’ The BJP is not backing down, framing the resignation as a political ploy rather than a display of accountability.
Kejriwal’s Governance Legacy: Education, Healthcare, and Controversy
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure as Chief Minister has seen notable successes, particularly in education and healthcare. His administration introduced Mohalla Clinics, making healthcare more accessible to the people of Delhi. He also focused on subsidising water and electricity to make utilities affordable for the masses. His government’s initiatives, such as free water up to 20,000 liters per month and reduced electricity rates, have been game-changers for many households.
However, critics have often pointed to failures. Allegations of corruption and administrative negligence, especially in public infrastructure, continue to haunt his governance model. Is Kejriwal stepping down to defend his record, or is this the start of a greater fall from grace?
Can Public Opinion Save Kejriwal’s Political Future?
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to resign while declaring his intention to seek a mandate from the public is a high-stakes gamble. With Delhi Assembly elections around the corner, the AAP leader appears to be banking on his reputation for honesty to sway public opinion. His supporters argue that Kejriwal has always put people first, citing his resignation over the failure to pass anti-corruption laws as proof.
AAP leaders, including ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, defend Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s move as consistent with his ethical stance. They argue that stepping down now shows the AAP leader’s faith in public judgment. But with both the BJP and Congress branding this as a “political stunt,” Kejriwal will need more than just public sympathy to emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Opposition Saying, “This a Political Stunt?”
While Kejriwal’s supporters have praised his decision as a show of integrity, the opposition isn’t buying it. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav labeled the move as nothing more than a “political stunt” that will have no real impact on the upcoming elections. For them, this resignation is not about public accountability but a response to the Supreme Court’s restrictions on his powers as Chief Minister.
Could Kejriwal’s gamble work in his favor, or will this resignation be remembered as the beginning of the end for AAP’s dominance in Delhi politics?
Kejriwal’s Next Big Gamble
Arvind Kejriwal has always been a leader who thrives on risk, whether it was resigning just 49 days into his first term or clashing repeatedly with the Modi government. His upcoming resignation marks yet another bold move in a career filled with political gambles. Will the Delhi public vindicate him once more, or is this a sign that Kejriwal’s political fortune is starting to dim?
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Kejriwal’s resignation is a stepping stone to renewed political success or a misstep that opens the door for his rivals.
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