NEW DELHI, SEPT 15: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that he will resign from his position in two days and will demand early elections in the national capital. Kejriwal vowed not to return to the Chief Minister’s chair until he receives a “certificate of honesty” from the public.
Recently released on bail from Tihar Jail in connection with the excise policy graft case, Kejriwal stated that he will convene a meeting of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs in the coming days to select a new chief minister. “Delhi elections are due in February, but I demand that elections be held in November along with Maharashtra,” Kejriwal said.
The AAP leader emphasized his commitment to honesty, stating, “I will only sit in the CM’s chair once the people declare me honest.” He referred to this process as an “agnipariksha” (test of fire) following his release from jail.
Kejriwal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to portray him as corrupt, saying, “The BJP cannot provide good schools and free electricity because they are corrupt. We are honest.” He urged non-BJP chief ministers to resist resignation if faced with arrests and run their governments from jail, as he had done.
Reflecting on his 2014 resignation after just 49 days in power over the Jan Lokpal Bill, Kejriwal stated, “I resigned then for my ideals. I do not lust for power.”
The Delhi Chief Minister also referenced the ongoing excise policy case and expressed his desire for public feedback. He asked the people of Delhi to only vote for him if they believe he is honest, adding, “For me, the BJP is not important; the people are important.”
Kejriwal also spoke about his time in jail, mentioning his admiration for freedom fighter Bhagat Singh’s letters during British captivity. He criticized restrictions on his communication while in Tihar, noting that his party colleague Sandeep Pathak was not allowed to visit him.
The AAP leader concluded by expressing hope for the release of jailed party leaders Satyendar Jain and Amanatullah Khan, thanking his supporters and stating that God had been with them through difficult times. (PTI)
