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Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has made a dramatic announcement, resigning from his post just two days after being granted bail and released from prison following a six-month detention. The decision came as a shock to many, with Kejriwal citing a desire to seek the people's verdict on his performance as the primary reason for his resignation. He declared, "I will not sit on that chair till the people announce their verdict." Kejriwal's resignation triggered a wave of political reactions, with the BJP welcoming the prospect of early polls and the Congress criticizing the timing of his decision.
Kejriwal's resignation was accompanied by a call for early elections in Delhi, scheduled to be held in February. He demanded the polls be held in November, coinciding with the Maharashtra elections. His rationale for seeking an early mandate stemmed from his assertion of innocence and his desire to prove his work to the people. He questioned the citizens of Delhi: "Is Kejriwal innocent or guilty? If I have worked, vote for me." The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader clarified that a member of the party would be named as the new Chief Minister following his resignation, and he himself would actively campaign among the people, seeking their support.
The announcement was met with a mixed response from opposing political parties. The BJP, confident in their chances, embraced the opportunity for early elections. Harish Khurana, a BJP leader, questioned the timing of Kejriwal's resignation, saying, "Why after 48 hours? He should resign today." He also emphasized their readiness to contest the elections, stating, "We are ready, whether it is today or tomorrow. We will return to power in Delhi after 25 years." The Delhi Congress, while acknowledging that the resignation was better late than never, criticized its timing, stating that Kejriwal should have resigned earlier during Delhi's recent floods and water shortage. Devendra Yadav, the Delhi Congress chief, expressed hope for a new Chief Minister who could effectively lead the state.
Kejriwal's resignation announcement was not just a political maneuver; it was also a powerful statement against the current political climate. He launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government, calling it more dictatorial than the British regime. He claimed that cases were being filed against opposition leaders, including Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Kerala, and Bengal, as a means to silence dissent. He urged non-BJP leaders not to resign if faced with similar situations, emphasizing that this is a tactic employed by the ruling party to suppress opposition. He also revealed that he had discussed the matter with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was recently granted bail in connection with corruption allegations, and they both agreed to hold their positions only after receiving the people's mandate.
The dramatic resignation of Arvind Kejriwal has thrown Delhi's political scene into turmoil. The implications of his decision are far-reaching, extending beyond the immediate impact on the state government. Kejriwal's bold move is likely to intensify the ongoing political battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties. The upcoming elections in Delhi will be a crucial test of the people's faith in both Kejriwal and the AAP, potentially reshaping the political landscape of the national capital.
Source: Arvind Kejriwal Announces Shock Resignation, Calls For Early Delhi Polls