Mon Sep 16 07:24:01 UTC 2024: ## Kejriwal Resigns as Delhi CM, Calls for Early Elections

In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his resignation, triggering a wave of political speculation across the nation. Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), stated his decision on Sunday, challenging the public to give him a “certificate of honesty” by electing him back to power. He has demanded early elections in Delhi.

The AAP sees this move as a masterstroke, while opposition parties have labeled it a political stunt. Kejriwal’s resignation comes after he was granted bail in a corruption case.

The BJP has termed this act as a “drama” and “an admission of guilt,” questioning if the resignation is a result of internal strife within the AAP.

While some parties attribute the resignation to the bail conditions, others praise his decision to seek public validation.

Following the announcement, the AAP has called an emergency meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) to discuss the political landscape and the selection of a new Chief Minister.

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj described this as a historic moment, stating that this would be the first election fought solely on the principle of honesty. He emphasized the relentless efforts of the central government and various agencies to defame Kejriwal, despite his unwavering belief in the people of Delhi.

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

Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goyal held a meeting with Kejriwal, confirming a possible Assembly session in September. He affirmed that Kejriwal does not seek power and urged the public to re-elect him if they deem him honest.

Kejriwal’s resignation marks his second time stepping down from the Chief Minister post. His first resignation occurred in 2014, after leading the AAP government for a brief 49 days. He has since led the AAP to victory in Delhi elections in 2015 and 2020.

Social activist Anna Hazare, who guided Kejriwal during the anti-corruption movement, expressed his disapproval, stating that he had advised Kejriwal against entering politics, but his advice was ignored.

Delhi Congress president Devendra Yadav criticized Kejriwal’s timing, claiming that an earlier resignation could have prevented the recent water crisis and related deaths. He termed the move as a political maneuver and questioned the necessity for a 48-hour delay in the announcement.

Despite criticism, the Congress supports Kejriwal’s resignation, deeming it a decision for public benefit. They argue that the bail conditions imposed on him by the Supreme Court make his continued position as Chief Minister untenable.

The Delhi Assembly’s term ends in February 2024, with elections expected to take place in early February.

Among the potential candidates for the next Chief Minister, prominent names include Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Arvind Kejriwal, along with Delhi Ministers Atishi and Gopal Rai.

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