Wed Sep 18 01:57:47 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Resigns, Atishi Takes Over

**NEW DELHI, Sept. 17 (Xinhua)** – In a surprising move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tendered his resignation on Tuesday, appointing his colleague and local minister Atishi as his replacement.

Kejriwal’s resignation comes just days after he was granted bail by India’s Supreme Court in a corruption case. He was arrested in March and spent five months in jail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

The Enforcement Directorate, India’s financial crime-fighting agency, arrested Kejriwal on charges of corruption related to the formulation of the excise policy, which allegedly favored specific individuals. The investigation began in August 2022 after the Central Bureau of Investigation accused the Delhi government of using the policy to benefit certain liquor dealers who allegedly paid bribes. The policy was subsequently scrapped.

Kejriwal, a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has maintained his innocence and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of political interference. His party, the Aam Aadmi Party, has also denied any wrongdoing, claiming that their leaders have been falsely implicated in a fabricated case.

The BJP has denied the allegations of political interference.

Atishi, a prominent member of the Aam Aadmi Party, will now assume the position of Delhi Chief Minister. It remains to be seen how this unexpected turn of events will impact the political landscape of Delhi.

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