Kejriwal Announces Resignation: Vows to Undergo Agnipariksha, Won’t Hold Office Until Elections

Two days after being released on bail, Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that he would resign from the Chief Minister’s post within two days. Kejriwal was speaking at the Aam Aadmi Party office, where he stated, “The BJP has accused me of dishonesty and corruption. Now, the people’s court will decide on my integrity. Until the elections, I will not sit in the Chief Minister’s chair.”

Kejriwal further said that Manish Sisodia, who is facing similar charges, will also not take any official position until after winning the elections.

Kejriwal’s Speech Highlights

1. Arrived with Bhagat Singh’s Book:

At the party meeting, Kejriwal arrived with Bhagat Singh’s book, “Bhagat Singh’s Jail Diary.” He said, “Bhagat Singh’s letters were smuggled out by the British. When I was in jail, my letter did not even reach the Lieutenant Governor (LG). I was threatened not to do this again.”

2. Called Himself a Revolutionary Chief Minister:

Kejriwal said, “After Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary Chief Minister went to jail for the first time in 90-95 years in independent India. Three days before August 15, I told the LG to allow Atishi to hoist the national flag in my place. My letter never reached the LG.”

3. My Agnipariksha Like Mother Sita:

The Delhi CM compared his situation to the story of Ramayana, saying, “When Lord Ram returned after 14 years of exile, Mother Sita had to undergo the Agnipariksha. Today, I too will face my Agnipariksha.”

4. Delhi Assembly Elections Should Be Held in November:

Kejriwal stated, “The elections are due in February, but I demand they be held in November, alongside Maharashtra. Until the people give their verdict, I will not assume any responsibility. Someone else from AAP will become the Chief Minister.”

Kejriwal’s Government in Delhi Since 2013

Under Kejriwal’s leadership, the Aam Aadmi Party has been in power in Delhi since 2013. The Delhi Legislative Assembly elections were held on December 4, 2013, for all 70 seats, with results announced on December 8, 2013. BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 32 seats, while AAP won 28 and Congress 8. With Congress’s support, Arvind Kejriwal became the Chief Minister and formed the government. However, the alliance between the two parties collapsed after 49 days. Fresh elections were held on February 7, 2015, where AAP won 67 seats. In the 2020 elections, AAP secured 62 out of 70 seats.