Arvind Kejriwal to Resign as Delhi CM in Two Days: A Turning Point in Delhi’s Political Landscape
In a dramatic development that has sent ripples through the political corridors of Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to tender his resignation within the next two days. This announcement has stunned many, given Kejriwal’s significant role in shaping Delhi’s political landscape and his achievements as the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Known for his anti-corruption crusade and emphasis on providing basic services like education, healthcare, and electricity subsidies to the people of Delhi, Kejriwal’s tenure as chief minister has been both transformative and contentious. His resignation marks the end of an era, and many are left wondering about the motivations behind this sudden move, its implications for Delhi’s governance, and the future of AAP.
Background of Arvind Kejriwal’s Political Journey
Arvind Kejriwal first burst onto the political scene as a key figure in the anti-corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare in 2011. The movement, which called for the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill, garnered massive support across India, and Kejriwal quickly emerged as one of its most prominent faces. However, his decision to form a political party — the Aam Aadmi Party — in 2012 was a turning point that shifted him from an activist role to an active participant in the country’s political process.
In 2013, AAP contested the Delhi Assembly elections and managed to secure a surprising victory, though it fell short of a full majority. Kejriwal became the chief minister for the first time in December 2013, only to resign 49 days later, citing the failure to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill. This brief stint earned him both praise for his idealism and criticism for abandoning governance too quickly. However, he made a remarkable comeback in 2015, leading AAP to a landslide victory with 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, and again in 2020 with another emphatic win. His tenure has since been marked by ambitious governance reforms, especially in education, healthcare, and public services.
Kejriwal’s Governance Legacy: Achievements and Controversies
During his tenure as Delhi’s chief minister, Kejriwal implemented a range of policies aimed at improving the lives of Delhi’s citizens. His government focused heavily on sectors such as education and healthcare, often described as the “Delhi Model” of governance. Under his leadership, government schools in Delhi were revamped, with improved infrastructure, teacher training, and a focus on quality education. The success of these reforms has been widely praised, with Delhi’s public schools consistently outperforming private schools in board exams. This education revolution became one of the flagship achievements of his government.
In healthcare, Kejriwal’s administration introduced “Mohalla Clinics,” providing free primary healthcare to residents. These neighborhood clinics have received international recognition for their low-cost, accessible model. Additionally, his government has been lauded for expanding access to free medicines, diagnostic tests, and surgeries for the people of Delhi.
Another key aspect of Kejriwal’s governance was his emphasis on providing affordable electricity and water to residents. His government’s decision to provide free electricity for consumption up to 200 units and heavily subsidized rates for water usage made his administration popular among the city’s lower- and middle-income groups.
However, Kejriwal’s tenure was not without controversies. His government had several public spats with the central government, particularly over issues of governance and administrative control of Delhi, a Union Territory. The complex relationship between the Delhi government and the central government, headed by the Lieutenant Governor (L-G), often led to clashes over policy implementation and decision-making powers. Kejriwal’s frequent confrontations with the L-G’s office and the central government fueled a debate about the limits of Delhi’s autonomy as a Union Territory.
Additionally, Kejriwal faced criticism over his handling of law and order issues in Delhi, a domain controlled by the central government. His detractors argued that his confrontational stance with the Centre sometimes took precedence over governance, particularly during periods of social unrest and security concerns.
Possible Reasons Behind Kejriwal’s Resignation
The news of Kejriwal’s impending resignation has sparked speculation about the reasons behind his decision to step down. While Kejriwal has yet to provide an official explanation, several potential factors could have contributed to this momentous decision.
Ongoing Legal Challenges: Over the years, Kejriwal and his party have been embroiled in several legal battles, ranging from defamation cases to allegations of corruption. Some speculate that the mounting legal pressures could have played a role in his decision to step down. While Kejriwal himself has often described these legal challenges as politically motivated attempts to undermine his government, they may have reached a point where managing governance alongside legal battles became untenable.
Increased Central Government Pressure: The friction between the AAP government and the central government has been a hallmark of Kejriwal’s tenure. As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to solidify its control over the central government and various state administrations, Kejriwal may have found it increasingly difficult to navigate Delhi’s governance in the face of central interference. With the central government repeatedly attempting to curtail the Delhi government’s autonomy, particularly through the role of the Lieutenant Governor, Kejriwal may have opted to resign rather than continue in what he sees as an increasingly restricted and hostile environment.
Health Issues and Personal Reasons: There have been rumors about Kejriwal’s health in recent months, with some sources suggesting that the stress of leading the Delhi government through multiple crises — including the COVID-19 pandemic — has taken a toll on his physical and mental well-being. In his public appearances, Kejriwal has remained energetic and committed, but behind the scenes, personal reasons, including health concerns, could be driving his decision to step down.
Strategic Political Move: Kejriwal’s resignation might also be part of a larger political strategy. With national elections approaching in 2024, some political analysts believe that Kejriwal could be positioning himself for a bigger role on the national stage. AAP has already expanded its footprint beyond Delhi, winning the Punjab state elections in 2022. By resigning as Delhi’s chief minister, Kejriwal might be freeing himself up to focus on national politics, preparing for a more prominent role in challenging the dominance of the BJP and Congress in Indian politics.
Impact of Kejriwal’s Resignation on Delhi’s Governance
Kejriwal’s resignation will undoubtedly create a leadership vacuum in Delhi. The AAP, which has governed Delhi for nearly a decade, will need to identify a new leader to take up the reins. While several names are being floated, including that of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, it remains to be seen who will ultimately succeed Kejriwal.
The immediate concern for Delhi’s residents will be the continuity of governance. Kejriwal’s government has introduced several welfare schemes, particularly in education, healthcare, and public utilities, that have become critical to the city’s functioning. Ensuring that these programs continue to operate efficiently in his absence will be a top priority for the new leadership.
Moreover, Kejriwal’s resignation could lead to political instability in the capital. The AAP government, which enjoys a significant majority in the Delhi Assembly, is unlikely to face an immediate electoral challenge. However, opposition parties, particularly the BJP, may seek to capitalize on the moment, questioning AAP’s ability to govern without Kejriwal at the helm. This could lead to increased political friction and challenges to the continuity of AAP’s policies.
AAP’s Future Without Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal has been synonymous with the Aam Aadmi Party since its inception, and his leadership has been central to the party’s rise. His resignation will inevitably raise questions about the party’s future direction. While AAP has cultivated a strong cadre of leaders like Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and Raghav Chadha, Kejriwal’s departure will leave a significant void.
In the short term, AAP will need to ensure that its governance model — particularly the “Delhi Model” of development — remains intact. The party has built its brand on providing basic services to citizens, and maintaining that focus will be crucial to its continued success.
In the long term, AAP may need to evolve beyond its reliance on Kejriwal as its primary face. The party’s expansion into other states, particularly Punjab, has already signaled its ambition to become a national player. Kejriwal’s resignation could serve as an opportunity for the party to decentralize leadership and promote a more collective approach to decision-making.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Delhi and AAP
Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation as Delhi’s chief minister marks a defining moment in both Delhi’s governance and the future of the Aam Aadmi Party. While the reasons behind his decision remain speculative, the impact of his departure will be felt across the city and the country. His leadership has left an indelible mark on Delhi’s development, transforming the city’s public services and challenging the political status quo.