Arvind Kejriwal Quits, Delhi Politics Takes New Turn: 10-Point Explainer

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that he will resign as chief minister in two days. A new political twist in Delhi politics emerged in the country’s capital on the day Kejriwal was released on bail in connection with the controversial Delhi Liquor Policy case. Kejriwal, the face of the Aam Aadmi Party, stated that he would not return to office until the people of Delhi decide his fate through the upcoming elections.

In this blog, I touch on reasons behind Kejriwal’s resignation, political dynamics in Delhi, and the broader ramifications these changes bring about in Indian politics

Background: The Liquor Policy Controversy

Ever since the case related to the Delhi liquor policy has come to the forefront, the political future of Arvind Kejriwal has come under question. The arrest case against him relates to certain alleged irregularities committed in framing and implementing Delhi’s excise policy. Money laundering and corruption with regard to this policy have been under ED and CBI investigation.

Kejriwal was granted bail after some time spent in jail, with the Supreme Court saying that Kejriwal’s detention was a “custodial san”. The Court said that the trial in the case was going to take some time and for which Kejriwal could not be detained for such a long period. At the same time, however, Kejriwal was barred from visiting the Delhi Secretariat or exercising his official functions​(TheDailyGuardian​).

Announcement to Resign by Kejriwal

After coming out of jail, Kejriwal announced dramatically: he would quit as Chief Minister in two days. Before a packed gathering of AAP workers at the party headquarters, he said he would not go back on the post until the people of Delhi gave their verdict in the coming elections. Kejriwal demanded early elections in Delhi, along with Maharashtra’s, in November 2024 instead of waiting for the due Assembly elections in February 2025​.(source:-The New Indian Express)

Kejriwal’s dramatic resignation is a well-thought-out political gamble. By resigning on his own, he tries to emerge as a leader with respect for people’s verdict and projects his main opponents in the BJP, which has been quick to exploit the corruption charges against Kejriwal. He termed the forthcoming election as a referendum on his honesty and called upon the electorate of Delhi to decide whether they think he is a corrupt criminal ​(The New Indian Express).

Politics of Resignation

The resignation of Kejriwal and early elections are rooted in more profound political conspiracy within AAP and national politics. His resignation may be seen from the following perspectives:

Anticipating Political Damage:

This case on the excise policy has brought Kejriwal’s government under the scanner, which may discredit his party’s image of good governance among people. This way, he tries to change the optics by resigning so that the election becomes one on his leadership and not on the corruption charges.

Challenge to BJP:

Over the last couple of years, the AAP-BJP rivalry has become increasingly harsh especially since the BJP sees Delhi as a coveted catch for its national political game. Kejriwal’s resignation followed by demands for early election puts the BJP in a political battle at a time when perhaps it would be better preoccupied elsewhere, like Maharashtra. That could just upset its election calculus.

The AAP’s Future Leadership:

Kejriwal’s interim removal begs a few questions-who will lead Delhi in Kejriwal’s temporary absence? Though he continues to be the national undisputed leader of AAP, the party will have to choose a new chief minister to fill his vacancy until elections are held. Strong Leaders Like Atishi and Manish Sisodia Could Be Possible Candidates​. The selection of an interim leader will be critical in maintaining cohesion within the party and continuing its agenda of governance in Delhi.

Broader Political Implications

 Kejriwal’s resignation has its impact not only on Delhi politics but also on the broader political perspectives of India.

AAP’s National Strategy:

The Kejriwal decision may have a ripple effect on AAP’s national ambitions. The party currently at the helm of affairs in Delhi and Punjab has been positioning itself as an alternative to the BJP and Congress in the run-up to the next elections, including the 2024 general elections. How AAP addresses this political crisis will impact the party’s prospectus in the upcoming elections.

Opposition Politics:

This move also affects opposition politics. With the Congress party finding it difficult to stay relevant in Delhi, AAP had emerged as the clear opposition to BJP. If Kejriwal’s gambit succeeds, it may even embolden opposition parties across the country to try out similar strategies in their respective states.

Early Election Scenario:

If Kejriwal succeeds in forcing early elections, that may create a precedence for other states that face a similar political crisis or misgovernance situation. At the national level, the BJP, having a commanding position in the Center, will take more challenge in state-level contests where the regional parties, like AAP, are dominant.

Conclusion: The High-Stake Political Gambit

Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation as Delhi’s Chief Minister is a high-stakes gamble. The move places him as a leader ready to take on the electorate head-on but at the risk of increased scrutiny on how his administration handled the excise policy. The immediate political environment in Delhi is set for significant changes with the impending election most likely to be a referendum on Kejriwal’s leadership and the model of governance of the AAP.

How the public will react to it would determine not only Kejriwal’s future but also the future course of Delhi and national politics, too. If he comes out unscathed, it will further strengthen him as a strong political force. In case these charges of corruption stick, it might substantially damage both his party and political career.

What Kejriwal will do next, the interim leader choice, and the election results are all going to be crucial in the future course of both the Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi’s political landscape.

Q&A

1: Why has Arvind Kejriwal resigned as Delhi Chief Minister?
Ans: Kejriwal has resigned days after being released on bail in the Delhi liquor policy case. Kejriwal has moved to bring the people into every decision for his future in the coming elections.

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2: What is Delhi’s liquor policy case?
Ans: The case pertains to corruption in the excise policy of Delhi. It is on this count that Kejriwal was arrested and is being investigated by ED and CBI.

3: When are the next elections in Delhi?
Ans: Kejriwal seeks that the elections be held in November 2024 instead of February 2025, to let the people decide as early as possible.

4: How does Kejriwal view the elections?
Ans: Because Kejriwal has been treating this election as the people’s mandate-for they have to decide between Kejriwal and the charges of corruption brought against him.

5: What does this resignation mean for AAP?
Ans: It is a very high-risk gamble. In case the AAP wins, Kejriwal will be in a position to consolidate his position. But if they fail in the task, then it will seriously dent the image of the party in prospect of the upcoming election.

6: What does this mean for BJP?
Ans: That would mean the BJP has to, before they anticipated, divert their attention to the Delhi elections – that is slight damages to their other plans across the country.

7: What does that mean for national politics?
Ans: That would be a yardstick Kejriwal would use in influencing national opposition parties while his AAP dreams of influence across India-opening up opportunities for BJP and Congress to regain their influence in Delhi.