Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced his resignation following his release from prison on bail. Kejriwal, a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks early elections to validate his leadership through public support.
Key Takeaways
- Arvind Kejriwal resigns as Delhi Chief Minister.
- Calls for early elections in November.
- Released on bail after six months in prison.
- Denies allegations of corruption, claims political motivation.
Kejriwal’s Release and Resignation
Arvind Kejriwal, who was granted bail by India’s Supreme Court, left prison on September 13, 2024, after being detained for nearly six months over alleged irregularities in Delhi’s liquor policy. The AAP leader announced his resignation the following day, stating he would only return to his post if the public certifies his honesty by voting for him in the upcoming Delhi election.
Call for Early Elections
Kejriwal has urged the Election Commission to advance the Delhi elections to November, aligning them with the Maharashtra elections. He emphasized the need for immediate elections to allow the public to decide on his leadership.
Background of the Case
Kejriwal was initially taken into custody in March by India’s financial crime-fighting agency, just weeks before the national elections. Although he was granted bail in July, he remained in detention due to a subsequent arrest by federal police in another graft case related to the same liquor policy.
Political Implications
Kejriwal’s resignation and call for early elections come at a critical time for the AAP, which had hoped to leverage his release to campaign in regional elections in Haryana next month and in Delhi early next year. The party and Kejriwal have consistently denied the corruption allegations, labeling them as politically motivated.
Future Prospects
The upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test for Kejriwal’s leadership and the AAP’s political standing. The party’s ability to mobilize public support and counter the allegations will be crucial in determining its future trajectory.
Kejriwal’s decision to resign and seek early elections underscores his commitment to transparency and public accountability, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle in the coming months.