Tuesday night, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation as Delhi Chief Minister in favour of comrade Atishi, ending a tumultuous four days that had begun when he was released on bail in the liquor policy case.
To turn in his paperwork, Mr. Kejriwal met Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, the center’s representative in Delhi, at his home. Atishi informed reporters shortly afterward that “this is an emotional moment for the party and the people” and that “the people of Delhi are resolved to make Arvind Kejriwal the Chief Minister again”.
“Today Arvind Kejriwal submitted his resignation. This is an emotional moment for the party and people of Delhi. At the same time, the people are resolved to make Kejriwal the Chief Minister again. And, till the election is held and we stake claim to the new government, I will look after Delhi,” she told reporters.
The AAP said earlier today that Atishi has been chosen unanimously to lead its legislative party, or its MLAs, in place of Mr. Kejriwal until the upcoming Assembly election, which is scheduled for February. Mr Kejriwal has, though, called for an early election, perhaps as soon as next month.
Shortly after, Atishi stated that her administration and all AAP lawmakers would like to see Mr. Kejriwal return. “Make your son, your brother, ChiefMinister again,” was her call to voters.
“Arvind Kejriwal believed in me… AAP believed in me. That is why I have been given this responsibility. While I am happy in this trust, I am also sad Arvind Kejriwal had to resign,” the incoming Chief Minister told reporters, “Delhi has only one Chief Minister… and that is Kejriwal.”
She further pledged to protect the AAP from the “conspiracies” of the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the opposition party was pursuing “fake charges” against Mr. Kejriwal and his party in the run-up to the election.
Mr Kejriwal was detained twice in June by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate on allegations of money laundering and corruption related to the liquor policy scam.
After providing relief in the latter case in July, the Supreme Court declared last week that his “prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty” while imposing bail in the former case.
One of the bail requirements was that Mr. Kejriwal could not sign official documents or orders without the Lieutenant Governor’s approval, as the AAP has had multiple violent run-ins with the governor.
Two days after being released from prison, Mr. Kejriwal surprised some people in his own party on Sunday with a political bombshell. Mr. Kejriwal stated he now wanted “justice from the people’s court” in addition to having refuted the corruption and money-laundering allegations against him and claimed the BJP was framing him.
“I have received justice from the legal system; I will now receive justice from the people’s court.” I want to know if Kejriwal is guilty or innocent among the people of Delhi. Please vote for me if I have done my job,” he said.
