by Ajay KumarAfter receiving bail in the Delhi liquor policy case, Kejriwal addressed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers on Sunday and stated that he would resign from the chief minister’s post two days later. He also clarified that he would not sit on the chief minister’s chair until the public reelects him. While this decision may be surprising to many, it appears to be part of his strategic thinking. The aim of this move is to strengthen his image of integrity in the political landscape and to reestablish his position in Delhi politics.
Arvind Kejriwal and his party emerged in politics through the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare. This movement established him as an honest and anti-corruption leader. The Aam Aadmi Party has positioned itself as a symbol of honesty and transparency. In this context, the opposition, especially the BJP, has continually questioned the party and Kejriwal’s image regarding the Delhi liquor policy case. The BJP has repeatedly demanded Kejriwal’s resignation, alleging that his government promoted corruption.
However, after Kejriwal’s bail, most of the arrested leaders have also been granted bail, and the Aam Aadmi Party has not only defended its stance but also shown that there are several issues in the liquor policy case. The party is using such situations to convey to the public that this case might be politically motivated and that there is an attempt to wrongfully implicate leaders. From this perspective, Kejriwal’s resignation could be a significant step aimed at strengthening his party’s narrative.
Kejriwal has stated that with his resignation, his only asset is his integrity, and his bank accounts are empty. He argued that his aim has never been motivated by greed for power or money. Instead, his primary goal is to serve the country and society. According to him, this decision is a way to test his integrity in the court of public opinion. He wants to ask the public whether they consider him honest or guilty.
Under the Supreme Court’s bail order, Kejriwal is subject to certain conditions, including not being able to go to his office or secretariat and only signing documents that need approval from the Lieutenant Governor. Given this situation, Kejriwal decided to resign and recommended the dissolution of the assembly to expedite elections.
Kejriwal has also demanded that the Delhi assembly elections be held in November 2024 instead of February 2025. He believes that holding elections in November alongside those in Maharashtra and Jharkhand would force the BJP to focus on the politics of these states, thereby diverting attention from Delhi’s assembly elections. This strategy aims to provide a political advantage to the Aam Aadmi Party and compel the BJP to reconsider its electoral strategies.
Kejriwal’s resignation is likely to astonish both the BJP and Congress, especially in the context of upcoming assembly elections in Haryana. His resignation and political message suggest that the Aam Aadmi Party is ready to capitalize on any political situation. Alongside his resignation, Manish Sisodia has also decided not to hold any position until the elections, which reinforces the party’s commitment to maintaining its image of integrity.
Previously, during the Lok Sabha elections, Kejriwal had also made several significant political moves, compelling BJP leaders to defend themselves. Now, with elections in Haryana and other states, Kejriwal’s move is certain to bring a new twist to the political arena. With his resignation, he is poised to set a new narrative in Delhi politics, demonstrating that his party and he personally remain committed to honesty and truth.
