Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a surprising announcement on Sunday, declaring his intention to resign after two days and calling for early elections in the national capital. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who was recently released on bail from Tihar Jail in connection with the excise policy graft case, vowed not to occupy the Chief Minister’s position until the public gives him a “certificate of honesty.”
A Bold Move Amidst Controversy
Kejriwal, addressing party workers at the AAP headquarters, stated, “I am going to resign after two days and ask people whether I am honest. Till they respond, I won’t sit on CM’s chair.” He further added, “Delhi elections are due in February but I demand that the elections in the national capital be held in November along with Maharashtra… I will only sit on CM’s chair after people give me a certificate of honesty. Want to give ‘agnipariksha’ (trial by fire) after coming out of jail.”
The AAP supremo’s decision comes in the wake of his recent arrest and subsequent release in the excise policy case. Kejriwal maintained that he didn’t resign immediately after his arrest because he respects democracy and considers the Constitution supreme.
BJP’s Response and Political Implications
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to respond, dismissing Kejriwal’s announcement as a “PR exercise” and “drama.” BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the move was part of a plan to make Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, the next Chief Minister.
Potential Successors
Following Kejriwal’s unexpected announcement, speculation has begun about his potential replacement. Names circulating include his wife Sunita Kejriwal, and Delhi Ministers Atishi and Gopal Rai. An AAP functionary highlighted Sunita Kejriwal’s role in the party’s recent Lok Sabha campaigning and her background as a former Indian Revenue Officer.
A Call for Honesty and Public Trust
Throughout his address, Kejriwal emphasized the importance of public trust and honesty in governance. He claimed that the BJP’s inability to provide good schools and free electricity was due to corruption, asserting, “We are honest.”
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