A couple of days later Released from Delhi's Tihar Jail Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unexpectedly surprised everyone. He said that he will resign in two days. This came as a surprise as during all this he had opposed the BJP's demand that he step down as chief minister.
I will not sit on this chair until the people give their verdict, I got justice from the legal court, now I will get justice from the people's court, I will sit on the chair of the Chief Minister only after the order of the people. Kejriwal, national convenor of AAP, said.
Why is Kejriwal resigning from the post of Chief Minister after he was released from Tihar Jail by the Supreme Court despite strict bail conditions?
From removing the stigma of corruption to taking advantage of the anti-BJP momentum in the opposition camp, Arvind Kejriwal may decide to resign and call for early elections. To be seen as a political six.
1. Nothing to lose. Delhi Assembly elections are still months away.
Delhi Assembly elections were to be held in February 2025. With less than five months to go, calls for Kejriwal's resignation and push for election dates are an attempt to return to power in Delhi.
However, the Supreme Court's stringent bail conditions do not allow Kejriwal to serve as chief minister.
“Elections are due in February. I demand elections to be held in November along with the Maharashtra elections,” Kejriwal said, clarifying his intentions.
The timing of the resignation announcement is crucial as it could expose himself to what he and his party term “revenge politics” by the BJP-led central government.
Even if the elections are held in February, instead of November, as per Kejriwal's preference, having a different Chief Minister will work to his advantage. AAP is largely a one-man show, and it is no secret that any Chief Minister will work under Kejriwal's guidance.
It will be Kejriwal's show with a different face, that too for a very short period.
By resigning, Kejriwal may be aiming to garner public sympathy and mobilize his base, possibly translating into electoral gains in the upcoming elections.
2. A SHOCK TO REMOVE AAP'S CORRUPTION TINT.
One of the main reasons behind Kejriwal's resignation could be the ongoing corruption allegations against him, his former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and others from the AAP. The excise policy case has been a thorn in the side for AAP, with both leaders facing legal battles and public scrutiny.
AAP, which was born out of an anti-corruption movement in 2011, effectively turned the tables on its critics by resigning its leader, Kejriwal, to distance himself from the allegations and seek a new mandate from the people. To turn
Kejriwal's strategy, hinted at by the party, could be. Submit your resignation in the form of 'Agni Praksha' Or a trial by fire, where he would try to prove his honesty by public judgment. It can garner sympathy and support, and position him as a leader willing to face the people's judgment rather than clinging to power under a cloud of corruption.
3. Bid to defeat anti-incumbency and rebuild AAP
Arvind Kejriwal has been the Chief Minister of Delhi since December 2013, with his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in power continuously except for one year (2014–2015) under the central government. Anti-incumbency is, most likely, a major re-election challenge for AAP. By resigning and calling for early elections, Kejriwal is trying to skirt the issue.
Moreover, by stepping down and seeking a new mandate, Kejriwal is essentially resetting the clock on his tenure. This will enable him to run a clean election campaign. The face of a fresh Chief MinisterFocusing on his party's achievements and future promises instead of getting bogged down in the burden of a decade long incumbency.
The impending resignation will also give AAP an opportunity to strengthen the party's unity and strategy, under the watchful eye of the national convener, who has since walked out of jail.
4. Trying to capitalize on the opposition's anti-BJP noise
The current term of the Delhi Legislative Assembly is due to end in February 2025, but Kejriwal's demand for elections in November 2024 is in line with the schedule of assembly elections in states like Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
The current political climate, after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is marked by a growing sense of discontent against the ruling BJP.
In Maharashtra, the BJP, which is part of the current government led by Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP, is facing resentment on several fronts, including the Maratha reservation issue.
Similarly, in Jharkhand, the BJP is trying hard to defeat the JMM-led Mahagathbandhan. In the recent past, the BJP has not had much success to show in Jharkhand. Hemant Soren, out on bail, is another shot in the opposition's arm ahead of the Jharkhand assembly elections.
Kejriwal wants Delhi elections in November to use opposition attacks in other states as a tailwind.
AAP may try to capitalize on the broader anti-BJP sentiment, which will increase due to the elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Kejriwal's resignation and call for early elections were also strategically timed to capitalize on the anti-BJP clamor for the 70-seat Delhi assembly polls.
A coherent anti-BJP narrative could add campaign buzz, helping AAP build a strong opposition narrative ahead of the Delhi polls.
5. Kejriwal would have avoided the central government in Delhi
One of the most important factors behind Kejriwal's resignation could be the growing threat of a central government. After Kejriwal was jailed for months, several BJP leaders called for the imposition of President's Rule in Delhi, citing his inability to carry out day-to-day governance affairs. The BJP also attacked Kejriwal saying that he was clinging to power at that time.
After Kejriwal's release last week, the BJP-led central government could have cited policy paralysis if he had continued as Delhi chief minister. On Kejriwal's bail conditions. Moreover, the imposition of central rule could delay the Delhi elections by six months.
The continued tough bail conditions had already hampered the AAP government's ability to implement key policies, further damaging the party's electoral prospects.
While granting bail to Kejriwal, the Supreme Court had barred him from visiting the Chief Minister's office and the Secretariat. “Those are the only type of files. [Kejriwal] Must be signed and is the same signature. which has to go to the Lieutenant Governor.Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Arvind Kejriwal's lawyer in the liquor policy case, told India Today TV.
Kejriwal has not only avoided the central government's imposition, but has given the AAP a leg up by announcing months before the assembly elections in Delhi that he would resign.