Kejriwal announces to resign as Delhi chief minister

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced he would resign from his post in two days in a stunning move, two days after he got bail from the Supreme Court in the liquor policy case, according to the India Today newspaper.

Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to resign is seen as a strategic move, and he aims to position the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in a fresh light ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. By deciding to step down, he could seek to paint himself as a martyr and fight against a corrupt system.

His narrative that he will only return as the Chief Minister with a fresh mandate adds weight to his announcement. The move could galvanise public support and translate into votes for AAP, particularly if the elections are held alongside those in Maharashtra and Jharkhand in November.

However, the transition may not be as smooth as it appears. Internal dynamics within the AAP could create turbulence. Finding a suitable interim chief minister who commands the respect and loyalty of party members, while also appealing to voters, could be challenging.

Moreover, Opposition parties — the Congress and the BJP — may see the scenario as an opportunity to exploit the perceived instability within AAP.

Additionally, Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to resign after his release on bail, rather than during his imprisonment in the liquor policy case, has raised eyebrows. Critics may argue that it is a tactical retreat rather than a principled stand, which could potentially erode public trust.