In a major political shift for Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal is set to resign as the Chief Minister of the National Capital Territory. His resignation, scheduled to be formally submitted to Lt. Governor VK Saxena at 4:30 PM today, has sent ripples across the political spectrum. The move comes after intense deliberation within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has selected senior leader and Delhi MLA Atishi Marlena to take over the reins as the interim Chief Minister.
This decision is seen as a temporary measure ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, slated for early next year, where AAP intends to reinstate Arvind Kejriwal at the helm. Despite stepping down, Kejriwal remains the face of the party and its leadership. Atishi, in her first public statement after being chosen, acknowledged this sentiment, declaring, “There is only one Chief Minister of Delhi, and that is Arvind Kejriwal.”
She further stated that her “only objective” as interim CM is to ensure Kejriwal’s return to power. “My focus is on steering the governance of Delhi smoothly until we can restore Arvind Kejriwal to his rightful position as Chief Minister. This is my singular mission,” she said, underscoring her commitment to the party’s goal of reinstating him after the elections.
AAP’s Reaction to Kejriwal’s Resignation
The announcement of Kejriwal’s resignation was met with mixed emotions within the AAP. Sandeep Pathak, AAP MP, described the party’s decision to accept Kejriwal’s resignation as one taken “with a heavy heart.” Addressing reporters, Pathak expressed that while Atishi is a capable leader, the party’s ultimate goal remains the return of Kejriwal as Chief Minister. He emphasized that the resignation is a consequence of the political challenges faced by Kejriwal, who has been embroiled in allegations that he wants to clear before reclaiming the top position.
Pathak stated, “This is not just a change of leadership but a pause in Kejriwal’s leadership journey. He has made it clear that he will not accept the position until he passes this ‘agnipariksha’ (trial by fire) and is declared innocent by the people. Only then will he resume his responsibilities.”
The AAP leader also pointed out that the resignation would likely lead to the dissolution of the current cabinet. “Whenever a Chief Minister resigns, it is customary for the entire cabinet to be dissolved. This is part of the process, and we are prepared for it,” said Pathak, adding that Atishi will serve as a caretaker leader until the next elections.
Lt. Governor Welcomes Atishi’s Appointment
Delhi Lt. Governor VK Saxena confirmed that Kejriwal is scheduled to meet him at Raj Bhavan later today to hand over his resignation letter. He also welcomed Atishi’s appointment as the interim Chief Minister, acknowledging the legislative process that led to her selection. “Atishi’s name has been put forward by the MLAs, and as per the legislative process, she has been chosen to fill the role temporarily. She is welcome to take over,” said Saxena.
Saxena’s comments have been seen as a formal endorsement of the political transition, although the central focus remains on the larger picture—Kejriwal’s eventual return. Atishi’s appointment is largely viewed as a strategic move by AAP, providing temporary stability while keeping the spotlight on Kejriwal, who has been the party’s core leader since its inception.
Atishi’s Role as Interim CM and The Road Ahead
Atishi, an education reformer and long-time member of AAP, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has played a key part in shaping Delhi’s educational policies and has been a trusted ally of Kejriwal throughout his tenure. However, her appointment is understood to be temporary, and her main task will be to maintain governance stability in Delhi until the elections.
While Atishi’s leadership capabilities are not in question, the broader political narrative remains centered on Kejriwal. His resignation is seen as part of a larger political strategy, aimed at addressing the allegations against him, clearing his name, and positioning himself for a comeback in the upcoming elections. AAP’s internal discussions indicate that the party will rally around Kejriwal, with his return to power being the ultimate objective.
Atishi herself has made it clear that her leadership is interim and solely focused on ensuring Kejriwal’s return. “My only objective is to make sure Arvind Kejriwal becomes the Chief Minister again,” she declared, reiterating her loyalty to the party’s primary leader.
As Delhi gears up for elections early next year, Atishi’s role as interim Chief Minister will be crucial in ensuring that the governance of the city runs smoothly. However, for both AAP and its supporters, the focus will undoubtedly remain on Arvind Kejriwal’s path to vindication and his eventual reinstatement as the Chief Minister of Delhi.
This leadership transition marks a turning point for AAP, as it navigates the challenges of maintaining public confidence while preparing for the electoral battle ahead. Atishi’s appointment, while significant, is seen as part of a broader political play, where Kejriwal’s return to power remains the focal point.
