Overview of Kejriwal’s Resignation
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned from his position on September 17, 2024, amidst ongoing legal troubles related to a corruption case tied to the excise policy scam. His resignation came shortly after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) designated Atishi, a cabinet minister, as his successor.
Submission of Resignation
Kejriwal arrived at the Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) Secretariat along with his cabinet colleagues to formally submit his resignation to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. This significant decision follows Kejriwal’s recent release on bail, granted by the Supreme Court just days prior.
Atishi’s Ascendancy
Atishi, who was present during Kejriwal’s resignation, has staked her claim to lead the next government in Delhi. She will be the third woman to serve as Chief Minister, following Congress’s Sheila Dikshit and BJP’s Sushma Swaraj. Atishi will assume office until the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025.
Context of Resignation
Kejriwal had hinted at his resignation days earlier, expressing that he would step down if voters did not grant him a “certificate of honesty.” He emphasized his commitment to return only with the public’s support. Atishi has been serving in multiple portfolios, including finance, education, and revenue, while Kejriwal faced legal challenges.
AAP Legislative Party Meeting
The decision to appoint Atishi was made during an AAP legislative party meeting at Kejriwal’s residence. Kejriwal proposed Atishi’s name, which received unanimous support from other MLAs present.
Atishi’s Remarks
After being announced as the new Chief Minister, Atishi expressed mixed emotions, describing the moment as filled with both joy and sadness over Kejriwal’s resignation. She committed to working diligently to ensure Kejriwal’s return as Chief Minister following the next elections.
Atishi highlighted her unexpected rise in politics, stating, “It’s possible only in the Aam Aadmi Party and under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal that a first-time politician has become a chief minister. I come from an ordinary family and perhaps would not get even a poll ticket if I were in any other party.”
