New Delhi, September 15, 2024 – In a major political announcement, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared on Sunday that he will step down from his post, placing his future in the hands of voters. This statement came just days after he was granted bail in the high-profile liquor policy case. Addressing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers, Kejriwal revealed that a legislative party meeting will be convened within the next two days to choose his successor.
Kejriwal further urged that the Delhi Assembly elections, initially scheduled for February 2025, be moved up to November to coincide with the Maharashtra polls. “There are elections in February. I demand that they be held along with Maharashtra’s. Until then, someone from AAP will serve as Chief Minister,” he announced.
His resignation follows his release on bail by the Supreme Court on Friday in connection with a corruption case tied to the now-scrapped liquor policy. Kejriwal is the fifth major figure to be granted bail in the case, following the release of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Vijay Nair, and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) member K Kavitha.
“I will resign from the Chief Minister’s position after two days. I won’t occupy the chair until the people give their verdict. I will visit every house, every street, and only return if the people declare us honest,” he said.
Kejriwal also confirmed that a new Chief Minister will be selected in an upcoming cabinet meeting, ruling out Sisodia for the role. “Manish has agreed that he will only take up the position after the public acknowledges our integrity. Our fate is now in the hands of the people,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his earlier decision to remain in office despite his arrest, Kejriwal explained that it was driven by his desire to “protect the Constitution.” He further accused the central government of targeting opposition leaders, citing cases against the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal. “This is a new strategy. I urge non-BJP leaders not to resign if cases are filed against you,” he warned.
Undeterred by what he described as central government “conspiracies,” Kejriwal reaffirmed his resolve to continue his fight for the nation. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Delhi for their unwavering support, adding that AAP leaders Satyendar Jain and Amanatullah Khan, both currently in prison, will soon be released.
