Just two days after being granted bail, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, made a surprising announcement: he would resign from his position. While this may have shocked many, it smelled like a calculated and strategic move. Now, Atishi, Kejriwal’s most trusted leader has taken the throne of the CM. But, what makes it a smart move?
Why did he resign now?
Kejriwal's resignation was laden with implications.
Firstly, it prevented the Lieutenant Governor from recommending the President's Rule, which could have led to a constitutional crisis. By resigning, he took control away from the central government, which had been eyeing the opportunity to impose the President’s Rule in Delhi.
The central government, led by the BJP, might have cited policy paralysis as justification for this move. Such an action could delay elections by up to six months, nullifying any emotional sentiment Kejriwal had gained from the public after walking out of jail.
Moreover, several key policies remained unfinished under his administration, including the Mahila Samman Nidhi Yojana, the EV Policy, and the Water Bill Settlement Scheme. By stepping down, he has placed responsibility for these initiatives on his successor, Atishi, while simultaneously enjoying the sympathy of voters who may feel he was unfairly treated. If that’s not all, the Supreme Court had already banned Kejriwal from holding meetings, requesting files, or making decisions. So, essentially, these restrictions had already made him ineffective as the Chief Minister.
What’s next?
This strategic move not only preserved AAP's control but also allowed Kejriwal to maintain influence over the party's direction.
His decision also aimed to rally public support ahead of upcoming elections, for Atishi and the overall party. He had called for early polls in Delhi, proposing that they coincide with elections in states like Maharashtra and Jharkhand. This could have provided AAP with an advantage if they could capitalize on any anti-BJP sentiment during this period.
Risks and rewards
Kejriwal’s resignation was a gamble that could have either bolstered AAP’s standing or backfired spectacularly. By positioning himself as a leader who is not power-hungry and instead seeking public support based on honesty, he aimed to cultivate goodwill among voters. However, critics argue that this move was merely political drama.
BJP spokespersons have challenged Kejriwal's motives, suggesting that if he is serious about accountability and governance, he should have resigned immediately without conditions.
The stakes are high as AAP still faces multiple legal challenges and public scrutiny over civic issues like waterlogging and infrastructure failures.
In conclusion, Arvind Kejriwal's resignation as Delhi’s Chief Minister was not just a personal decision; it was a strategic maneuver aimed at preserving party control and garnering public sympathy while navigating through complex political waters.
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