NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was released on bail after six months in custody over the liquor policy case, has decided to resign and seek a fresh mandate from the public.
In a statement to the media, Kejriwal said, “The court has granted me justice, and now I will go to the people’s court. I will not remain in the Chief Minister’s chair until the public once again places their trust in me.”
Following his release, Kejriwal announced that in two days, he will step down as Chief Minister, nominate a successor, and then return to the voters, asking for their support in the upcoming elections.
The Delhi Chief Minister also called for early elections, stating that the state’s elections are scheduled for February next year, but should be moved up. He requested that Delhi’s election be held alongside Maharashtra’s state elections in November.
Known for his unique political strategies, Kejriwal has previously dealt blows to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in various Indian states. In 2014, Kejriwal similarly dissolved the Delhi Assembly, called for early elections, and emerged victorious.
Kejriwal first became Delhi’s Chief Minister in December 2013 but resigned after just 49 days, as his anti-corruption bill couldn’t pass due to a lack of majority. He called for early elections in February 2014 and returned to power with a decisive majority, enabling him to pass crucial bills, including those addressing corruption.
It’s important to note that Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has served as Delhi’s Chief Minister since 2014. The BJP-led central government has been accused of targeting him in the liquor policy case.
