NEW DELHI – In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his intention to resign from his post within the next two days. Addressing members of his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kejriwal remained defiant, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to undermine his leadership. He emphasized that his strength comes from the people’s support, declaring, “We will not bow, stop, or sell out to the BJP.”
Kejriwal highlighted the importance of integrity, attributing AAP’s success in Delhi to its commitment to honesty. “They fear our honesty because they are not clean themselves,” he stated, adding that his entry into politics was not driven by the corrupt pursuit of “money for power and power for money.”
Expressing confidence in both the judiciary and the people of Delhi, Kejriwal said, “The court of law has given me justice, and now I will seek justice from the court of the people.” He promised to return as Chief Minister only if the public voted for him, asking, “Is Kejriwal innocent or guilty? If I have worked, vote for me,” signaling his intent to appeal directly to voters.
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A meeting with AAP legislators is scheduled within the next two days to choose his successor. Meanwhile, Kejriwal has called for advancing Delhi’s elections, originally slated for February, to November, aligning them with the Maharashtra state polls.
The announcement comes just days after Kejriwal was granted bail and released from prison after six months. Reflecting on his time in office, he launched a strong critique of the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of being more authoritarian than even the British colonial rule. He also urged opposition leaders facing legal charges, like those from Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal, to remain steadfast and not succumb to pressure by resigning, describing such cases as part of a larger strategy by the ruling party.
Kejriwal’s resignation and call for early elections mark a significant moment in Delhi’s political landscape, setting the stage for a heated electoral battle in the coming months.