New Delhi: In a surprising move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation just two days after being granted bail after spending six months in jail.
Kejriwal expressed his intention to step down in a party meeting, stating that he would only return to the post of Chief Minister after receiving a mandate from the people.
“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. I got justice from the legal court, now I will get justice from the people’s court. I will sit on the Chief Minister’s chair only after the order of the people,” he said.
“I want to ask the people of Delhi, is Kejriwal innocent or guilty? If I have worked, vote for me,” Kejriwal added.
He called for early elections in Delhi, urging that they be held in November alongside Maharashtra’s elections, instead of the originally scheduled February date.
During his address, Kejriwal launched a sharp critique of the Narendra Modi-led central government, comparing its governance style to that of the British colonial rule.
He emphasized that he remained in his position as Chief Minister during his legal troubles to “save democracy” and advised other non-BJP leaders facing legal challenges not to resign under pressure.
Kejriwal’s resignation is expected to trigger a process for AAP to appoint a new Chief Minister, as he and his party prepare to engage with the public for their support ahead of the elections.