
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation is a strategic political gamble. Although the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) performed poorly in the Lok Sabha elections, losing all seven seats in Delhi, the situation in the state assembly remains different. Kejriwal and AAP continue to dominate local politics, and through his resignation, Kejriwal aims to maintain this influence.
What’s the Strategy Behind the Resignation?
Senior journalist Rasheed Kidwai, speaking to hindi.news18.com, explained that Kejriwal has always been known for his “shock value.” In the past, he surprised many by not resigning when expected, and now, his resignation announcement has again caught people off guard. With this move, Kejriwal is “killing two birds with one stone”—responding to critics who demanded his resignation while also attempting to maintain or enhance his popularity. He wants to show that he is still a pivotal figure in Delhi politics.
Although the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal bail, it didn’t provide him with a “free hand” politically. From a political standpoint, the bail didn’t carry much weight, which is why Kejriwal has now resorted to the resignation move.
Will There Be a New Chief Minister or Fresh Elections?
According to Kidwai, Kejriwal appears to be setting the stage for fresh assembly elections in Delhi. Currently, AAP holds a strong majority in the state assembly. If Kejriwal dissolves the assembly, the Lieutenant Governor will have no choice but to call for new elections. These could be held alongside elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, as Kejriwal had previously proposed. Kidwai also notes that despite the BJP’s sweep in the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, the state’s political dynamics are different, and the BJP doesn’t hold as strong a position in local politics.
Where Does the BJP Stand?
Kejriwal’s resignation announcement is a well-calculated move. The BJP, being the main opposition to AAP in Delhi, is currently focused on elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, where it faces significant challenges. The party is not prepared for elections in Delhi at this moment, and Kejriwal has used this opportunity to surprise them. Kidwai suggests that Kejriwal is trying to capitalize on the BJP’s lack of readiness, as elections must be held within six months.
Impact on Congress: Gain or Loss?
While Kejriwal’s resignation might cause a political crisis for the BJP, it’s unlikely to significantly benefit or harm Congress. The Congress party has not been a visible player in the Delhi political arena, a fact confirmed by the Lok Sabha election results. Kidwai mentions that, in a way, AAP has Congress as a fallback option. Although there was no alliance between the two parties in Haryana, the situation in Delhi is different, and Congress may be open to joining forces under the current circumstances.