PhD in making virtue out of necessity, wants wife as CM: BJP on Arvind Kejriwal's resignation talk
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal's announcement to resign as Delhi Chief Minister has been labeled a "drama" by the BJP, following a court ruling in the excise policy scam case.BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed that Kejriwal's conditional bail has effectively reduced him to a "ceremonial Minister" rather than a functioning Chief Minister.
Image credit:- thehindu
On September 15, 2024, Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi Chief Minister, announced his intention to resign from his position within two days. This announcement came shortly after he was granted conditional bail in connection with the excise policy scam case, where he had spent six months in Tihar Jail. The timing of his resignation has sparked significant controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing him of engaging in political theatrics.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla characterized Kejriwal's resignation as an "emotional card" played to garner sympathy and distract from the ongoing legal troubles he faces. Poonawalla asserted that Kejriwal's conditional bail has effectively reduced him to a "ceremonial Minister," unable to perform the duties of a Chief Minister. He claimed that Kejriwal's resignation drama was a response to the court's decision not to acquit him but to grant bail under stringent conditions, which included restrictions on his ability to enter the Chief Minister's office or sign official documents.
Critics within the BJP have questioned Kejriwal's motivations, suggesting that if he truly intended to resign, he should have done so earlier, particularly during his time in jail. BJP leader Harish Khurana remarked, "If he wants to resign, then why not today?" He emphasized that Kejriwal's actions appear to be a calculated move to restore his image amid allegations of corruption.
In his announcement, Kejriwal stated that he would not occupy the Chief Minister's chair until the people of Delhi provide him with a "certificate of honesty" through their votes. He called for early elections in Delhi, proposing that they be held alongside the upcoming elections in Maharashtra. Kejriwal expressed his desire to return to power only after winning the trust of the electorate, indicating that he would hold a meeting with AAP MLAs to discuss the future leadership of the party.
The political landscape in Delhi is tense, with Kejriwal's resignation announcement seen as a strategic maneuver amidst a backdrop of legal challenges and public scrutiny. AAP's national spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, defended Kejriwal's decision, stating that he has set a new benchmark for honesty and integrity in politics. She emphasized that Kejriwal's commitment to stepping down reflects his dedication to democratic principles.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of Kejriwal's resignation on Delhi's political dynamics and the AAP's future remain to be seen. The party's ability to navigate the upcoming elections while addressing the serious allegations against its leaders will be crucial in determining its political viability in the capital.
