NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned from his post on Tuesday, submitting his formal resignation to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The resignation was submitted to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at around 4:30 pm.
Kejriwal was accompanied by his cabinet colleague, Saurabh Bharadwaj, as he arrived at the LG Secretariat. AAP leader Atishi, selected earlier in the day as his successor during a legislature party meeting, was also present alongside him.
This resignation comes days after Kejriwal announced on Sunday that he would step down from the position, stating that he would only resume the chief ministership when the people of Delhi grant him a “certificate of honesty.”
AAP’s response and future plans
In response to Kejriwal’s resignation, AAP leader Gopal Rai confirmed the leadership transition, said, “Arvind Kejriwal has submitted his resignation to the Delhi LG. All MLAs have together decided upon nominating Atishi as the new CM. Atishi has staked her claim to form the government.”
Atishi, the current education and public works minister, is set to become Delhi’s third woman chief minister. She acknowledged the emotional weight of Kejriwal’s resignation while expressing her commitment to leading the capital.
“Today, Arvind Kejriwal has submitted his resignation. This is an emotional moment for the party and the people of Delhi. At the same time, the people of Delhi are resolving to make Arvind Kejriwal the chief minister again. Till the elections are held, I will be looking after Delhi, and we have staked our claim to form the government,” she said.
Atishi, a prominent face in the AAP government, is expected to assume office in the coming days, with the party looking to maintain stability as they prepare for upcoming elections.
Kejriwal’s legal and political troubles
The resignation comes amidst turmoil faced by the AAP during Kejriwal’s third term, particularly related to the Delhi excise policy case.
Several top leaders, including Kejriwal himself, faced accusations of accepting bribes from liquor companies in exchange for favorable policies. Former deputy CM Manish Sisodia was arrested, followed by Kejriwal’s own arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March, marking the first instance of a sitting CM being jailed.
Kejriwal was released on bail after six months and walked out of Tihar Jail on Friday following a Supreme Court ruling.
During his resignation announcement, Kejriwal said his intention to seek early elections in November. He addressed a public gathering, declaring, “I am ready for Agni Pariksha. Two days later, I will resign as Chief Minister. I will not sit on that chair till the people announce their verdict. Elections in Delhi are months away.”
He also criticized the Modi government, describing it as “more dictatorial than the British” and urged other non-BJP chief ministers not to resign if falsely imprisoned, emphasizing that governance could continue from jail if there is unity.
BJP questions Atishi’s background
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari has raised concerns over the appointment of Atishi as the next CM of Delhi, questioning her background and affiliations. Tiwari, in a statement on social media, highlighted his reservations about Atishi’s suitability for the role.
“They have appointed Atishi as the CM. We welcome her, but her background is questionable. Both her parents had written mercy petitions for Afzal Guru to the President of India. Atishi herself supports those who try to insult India. You can imagine what would happen if such a person becomes CM,” Tiwari said in his statement.
Kejriwal was accompanied by his cabinet colleague, Saurabh Bharadwaj, as he arrived at the LG Secretariat. AAP leader Atishi, selected earlier in the day as his successor during a legislature party meeting, was also present alongside him.
This resignation comes days after Kejriwal announced on Sunday that he would step down from the position, stating that he would only resume the chief ministership when the people of Delhi grant him a “certificate of honesty.”
AAP’s response and future plans
In response to Kejriwal’s resignation, AAP leader Gopal Rai confirmed the leadership transition, said, “Arvind Kejriwal has submitted his resignation to the Delhi LG. All MLAs have together decided upon nominating Atishi as the new CM. Atishi has staked her claim to form the government.”
Atishi, the current education and public works minister, is set to become Delhi’s third woman chief minister. She acknowledged the emotional weight of Kejriwal’s resignation while expressing her commitment to leading the capital.
“Today, Arvind Kejriwal has submitted his resignation. This is an emotional moment for the party and the people of Delhi. At the same time, the people of Delhi are resolving to make Arvind Kejriwal the chief minister again. Till the elections are held, I will be looking after Delhi, and we have staked our claim to form the government,” she said.
Atishi, a prominent face in the AAP government, is expected to assume office in the coming days, with the party looking to maintain stability as they prepare for upcoming elections.
Kejriwal’s legal and political troubles
The resignation comes amidst turmoil faced by the AAP during Kejriwal’s third term, particularly related to the Delhi excise policy case.
Several top leaders, including Kejriwal himself, faced accusations of accepting bribes from liquor companies in exchange for favorable policies. Former deputy CM Manish Sisodia was arrested, followed by Kejriwal’s own arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March, marking the first instance of a sitting CM being jailed.
Kejriwal was released on bail after six months and walked out of Tihar Jail on Friday following a Supreme Court ruling.
During his resignation announcement, Kejriwal said his intention to seek early elections in November. He addressed a public gathering, declaring, “I am ready for Agni Pariksha. Two days later, I will resign as Chief Minister. I will not sit on that chair till the people announce their verdict. Elections in Delhi are months away.”
He also criticized the Modi government, describing it as “more dictatorial than the British” and urged other non-BJP chief ministers not to resign if falsely imprisoned, emphasizing that governance could continue from jail if there is unity.
BJP questions Atishi’s background
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari has raised concerns over the appointment of Atishi as the next CM of Delhi, questioning her background and affiliations. Tiwari, in a statement on social media, highlighted his reservations about Atishi’s suitability for the role.
“They have appointed Atishi as the CM. We welcome her, but her background is questionable. Both her parents had written mercy petitions for Afzal Guru to the President of India. Atishi herself supports those who try to insult India. You can imagine what would happen if such a person becomes CM,” Tiwari said in his statement.
