BJP Reacts to Kejriwal's Resignation Decision, Questions Delay in Stepping Down as Delhi CM

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday strongly criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's announcement to resign from his post in two days, questioning the delay in his decision. BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa responded sharply, suggesting that Kejriwal should have resigned long ago, and asked why the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was taking two days instead of stepping down immediately.

Sirsa also made a bold claim, stating that Kejriwal’s resignation was not a selfless act for the people of Delhi, but rather a move to position his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, as the next Chief Minister. “He is not doing a favour for the people of Delhi by stepping down. In fact, he is trying to make his wife the next Chief Minister,” Sirsa alleged.

Supreme Court's Role in Kejriwal's Resignation

The BJP further claimed that Kejriwal’s resignation was indirectly driven by the Supreme Court, acknowledging his involvement in corruption. According to media reports, the BJP believes that the legal pressure exerted by the Supreme Court left Kejriwal with no choice but to resign. While the party refrained from providing specific details about the court’s actions, it emphasized that the move was long overdue.

Manish Sisodia Not in the Race for CM

Kejriwal’s announcement also made it clear that Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, would not be taking over as the next Chief Minister. This revelation has sparked speculation about who will succeed Kejriwal as the leader of Delhi. The new Chief Minister’s name will reportedly be announced within two days, further fueling anticipation within political circles.

However, Sirsa dismissed the announcement as a tactical move, accusing Kejriwal of trying to prepare the ground for his wife’s appointment. The BJP's allegations suggest that the resignation is part of a larger strategy to maintain Kejriwal’s influence over Delhi politics by promoting a close family member to the highest position in the state government.

BJP’s Response to Kejriwal’s Election Request

Apart from the resignation issue, BJP leader Kapil Mishra reacted to Kejriwal's request to hold the Delhi elections alongside the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Mishra expressed confidence that regardless of when the elections are held, Kejriwal will not be able to return as Chief Minister. “Regardless of any upcoming elections, Kejriwal will not become Chief Minister again,” Mishra said, signalling the BJP’s determination to challenge AAP's leadership in Delhi.

Kejriwal had earlier stated that he would not resume the role of Chief Minister unless he received a fresh mandate from the electorate, indicating that the decision to step down is a way to gain political legitimacy ahead of the elections. However, the BJP sees this as a calculated move to regain public trust in the face of mounting legal and political challenges.

Kejriwal’s Legacy and Challenges Ahead

Arvind Kejriwal has been a dominant figure in Delhi’s political landscape since AAP first won the state elections in 2015. His leadership has been marked by significant welfare initiatives, including free electricity, water, and healthcare services, which have made him a popular leader among certain sections of Delhi’s electorate.

However, his government has also faced criticism over issues like pollution control, law and order, and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the recent allegations of corruption and legal battles have put his administration under intense scrutiny. The resignation announcement comes at a time when Kejriwal's leadership is being tested, and his decision to seek a new mandate suggests that he is gearing up for a major political battle.

Speculation Over the Next Chief Minister

The delay in announcing the next Chief Minister has led to widespread speculation within political circles. While Manish Sisodia was initially seen as the natural successor to Kejriwal, his exclusion from the race has left many wondering who will take on the mantle.

The BJP’s claims that Kejriwal is positioning his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, as the next Chief Minister have added a new dimension to the political drama. Sunita Kejriwal, a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has stayed out of the political limelight but has supported her husband’s campaigns over the years. If the BJP’s claims turn out to be true, it would mark an unprecedented move in Delhi politics, raising questions about dynastic politics in AAP.

However, AAP has not confirmed any such plans, and Kejriwal's camp remains tight-lipped about the identity of the new CM. The suspense is expected to end in two days when the formal announcement is made.

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Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to step down as Delhi Chief Minister has set the stage for a significant political shift in the capital. The BJP’s swift and sharp reaction, particularly the accusations of corruption and claims about dynastic politics, indicates that the upcoming Delhi elections could be fiercely contested. The delay in Kejriwal’s resignation and the suspense over his successor has added to the political intrigue, and all eyes are now on AAP to see who will lead Delhi in the coming years.

The resignation is also a critical moment for Kejriwal, who has led AAP to two consecutive electoral victories in Delhi. Whether his strategy to seek a fresh mandate will succeed remains to be seen, but it is clear that the political landscape in Delhi is on the verge of transformation.