Arvind Kejriwal to Resign as Delhi Chief Minister in Two Days, Seeks Fresh Mandate

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a significant political announcement on Sunday, revealing that he will resign from his position as CM in two days. Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), explained that he would only return to the post if he regains the trust and mandate of the people of Delhi.

In his first address to AAP workers since being released on bail in the Delhi excise policy case, Kejriwal claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had tried to break his party and demoralize him but failed. The statement follows a period of intense legal and political pressure, with the AAP leader facing allegations in the excise policy case.

“I spoke to my lawyers. The case will continue, but I won’t sit on the CM's seat until the case is resolved. After two days, I will resign from my position as Chief Minister. I will only return to that chair if the people elect me again,” Kejriwal said while addressing AAP workers. He emphasized that his resignation is a matter of principle, and he would seek justice from the people in the upcoming elections.

BJP's Alleged Attempts to Break AAP

Kejriwal’s resignation comes amidst his claims that the BJP wanted to break AAP and form a government in Delhi. According to the AAP leader, the BJP aimed to weaken his party by sending its leaders to jail and breaking the morale of its members. However, Kejriwal asserted that the BJP’s plans failed.

“They thought they would form a government in Delhi by sending me to jail, but they couldn’t break our party or our workers. Despite all their efforts, AAP stands strong,” Kejriwal said. He also mentioned that his party has weathered many political challenges and emerged even stronger as a result.

Kejriwal added that the BJP’s strategy was based on a formula of breaking political parties and putting their leaders behind bars, but it was not successful in his case. He reiterated his confidence in the support of the people and their ability to deliver justice through the electoral process.

Legal Challenges and Upcoming Elections

The Delhi excise policy case has been a significant hurdle for Kejriwal and AAP, leading to legal battles that culminated in Kejriwal being granted bail. While the case is still ongoing, Kejriwal has decided to step down to maintain the integrity of his office and focus on the people’s mandate.

The AAP chief also expressed his commitment to seeking justice not just from the legal courts but from the people’s court. Kejriwal stressed that the upcoming elections would serve as the ultimate verdict on his leadership and that he would return to power only with a renewed mandate from the electorate.

“I got justice from the legal court, and now I will get justice from the people’s court. I will only sit on the Chief Minister’s chair after the people give their order,” he remarked.

AAP's New Leadership

Kejriwal’s decision to step down has left a vacuum in Delhi’s leadership, and speculation is mounting about who will succeed him. The AAP leader mentioned that another member of the party would take over as Chief Minister after his resignation, although no names have been officially confirmed.

This leadership transition is expected to have significant political implications, especially with the Delhi elections scheduled for February. Kejriwal has called for the elections to be advanced to November, aligning with the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Whether or not his demand is met, the focus remains on AAP’s ability to rally public support ahead of the elections.

AAP’s Election Strategy and Campaign in Haryana

In the midst of the Delhi political developments, Kejriwal also hinted at AAP’s broader campaign plans. On Saturday, the Delhi Chief Minister held a meeting with senior AAP leaders to discuss the party’s strategy for the upcoming Haryana elections. Although the focus has largely been on Delhi, AAP’s ambitions extend beyond the capital, and Kejriwal’s leadership remains crucial to the party’s growth in other states.

The Haryana elections present a significant opportunity for AAP to expand its influence, and Kejriwal’s resignation from the Delhi CM position may allow him to focus more on national political dynamics. His decision to seek a fresh mandate from the people reflects his belief in direct electoral validation as the foundation of political legitimacy.

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Arvind Kejriwal’s announcement to resign as Delhi Chief Minister marks a pivotal moment in Delhi’s political landscape. His decision to step down in two days and seek a fresh mandate from the people signals his commitment to electoral democracy. Kejriwal’s claims of the BJP’s attempts to break his party and the ongoing legal battle surrounding the excise policy case have added layers of complexity to the upcoming elections.

The Aam Aadmi Party now faces the challenge of managing the transition of leadership in Delhi while simultaneously preparing for elections in Haryana and other states. Kejriwal’s resignation is both a political gamble and a strategic move to strengthen his position as a leader who seeks validation from the people.

With Delhi elections just months away, the political dynamics in the capital are poised for a major shift. The people’s response to Kejriwal’s resignation and the leadership transition within AAP will determine the future course of governance in Delhi. The upcoming elections will be crucial in deciding whether Kejriwal’s strategy pays off or whether the BJP succeeds in its attempt to challenge AAP’s dominance in the capital.