Mon Sep 16 07:00:52 UTC 2024: ## Kejriwal Resigns as Delhi CM, Calls for Early Elections

**New Delhi:** In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his resignation, sparking a political storm across the nation. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who was recently released from jail on bail, cited his desire for a “certificate of honesty” from the people as the reason for his decision. He has called for early elections in Delhi.

Kejriwal’s unexpected announcement has drawn mixed reactions from political parties. While the AAP sees it as a “masterstroke,” opposition parties have labelled it as a political stunt. Some have pointed to the bail conditions imposed on Kejriwal as a possible reason for his resignation, while others have praised his decision to seek a mandate from the public.

The BJP has called Kejriwal’s move a “drama” and an “admission of guilt,” questioning if it is an attempt to cover up internal conflicts within the AAP.

Following the announcement, the AAP has called an emergency meeting of its Political Affairs Committee (PAC) to discuss the political situation and the potential nomination for the new Chief Minister.

Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has defended Kejriwal, asserting his trust in the people of Delhi and his own integrity. He claims that this will be the first election in India where the question of a Chief Minister’s honesty will be at the forefront, especially considering the relentless investigations and negative publicity orchestrated by the BJP-led central government.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is expected to meet with Kejriwal to discuss the potential candidates for the next CM.

Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel met with Kejriwal and stated that a session of the Assembly could be convened in September. He maintains that Kejriwal’s decision to resign stems from a desire to seek public validation and not from an attachment to the Chief Minister’s post.

This marks the second time Kejriwal has resigned as Chief Minister, the first instance occurring in 2014 after just 49 days in power.

Social activist Anna Hazare, Kejriwal’s mentor during the anti-corruption movement, expressed his disappointment with Kejriwal’s decision to enter politics, stating that he had advised against it from the beginning.

The Delhi Congress has urged Kejriwal to have resigned earlier, suggesting that his delay contributed to the recent water crisis and subsequent deaths in the city.

The Delhi Assembly term is set to expire on February 23, 2024, with elections anticipated in early February.

Following Kejriwal’s resignation, potential candidates for the new Chief Minister include his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, and cabinet ministers Atishi and Gopal Rai.

Read More