Arvind Kejriwal to resign as Delhi CM, calls for early elections

New Delhi, Sep 15: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced today at a party meeting that he will resign from his position in two days and seek a fresh mandate from the people. “I will not sit on the Chief Minister’s chair until the people announce their verdict,” he said.

Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), expressed his desire to contest the upcoming elections based on public opinion. He also called for advancing Delhi's elections, originally scheduled for February, to November to align with Maharashtra’s polls.

Kejriwal’s resignation follows his release from Tihar Jail after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in a corruption case linked to Delhi’s excise policy.

He emphasised that he would not resume office until the legal case against him is resolved. “My heart says that until the court acquits me, I will not sit on the Chief Minister’s chair,” he added.

A party meeting will soon be convened to select a new Chief Minister while Kejriwal campaigns for re-election. He urged the public to vote for him based on his work, asking, “Is Kejriwal innocent or guilty?”

Kejriwal also reflected on his time in jail, stating that his arrest aimed to dismantle AAP and weaken his resolve, but the party remained united.

He reiterated his commitment to upholding the Constitution, praising the Supreme Court’s ruling that questioned the central government’s stance on running a government from jail.

Kejriwal’s political journey began in the India Against Corruption movement, which led to the formation of AAP in 2012. As Chief Minister, he is credited with focusing on key issues such as education, healthcare, and affordable utilities in Delhi.