Why Kejriwal decided to resign, how AAP hopes to benefit from move

Amid intense media speculation over who could possibly replace Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, one big question needs to be addressed: Will Kejriwal and his party, AAP, which originated from an anti-corruption movement, benefit from his latest political move aimed at ridding himself of corruption charges?

On Sunday, Kejriwal stunned everyone with the dramatic announcement that he would resign two days later, on September 17 — which happens to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The ruling BJP has major plans for the day, but media attention will now be divided between the two events.

The move, the reasons

It was perhaps the first time a leader announced his decision to resign two days in advance — if mere resignation was the aim, he could have done so on Sunday itself. Whether the senior AAP leadership was aware of Kejriwal’s plan (announcement) or if the resignation date (September 17) was only incidental, the fact is that the decision surprised not just the AAP cadre, but also the BJP and the Congress.

Why did Kejriwal decide to resign at this point, especially as he had just been released from Tihar Jail by the Supreme Court, after the CM had resisted all pressures from the BJP to quit?

“I will sit in the Chief Minister's chair only after the people's mandate,” Kejriwal said on Sunday. Clearly, the Delhi CM, who came to power on an anti-corruption platform, is trying to brush up his image and improve public perception about himself.

While his primary aim may be to distance himself from corruption and money laundering allegations and change the perception that he was clinging to the post despite the charges, he also wants to focus his energies on the upcoming Delhi elections and turn the tables on his critics. Additionally, he seems determined to make a strong political statement and ensure that his resignation becomes the talk of the country.

Sharp political player

AAP’s performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections was nothing to write home about, but Kejriwal remains one opposition CM whom the all-powerful BJP has not been able to dislodge, despite the BJP winning all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi consecutively.

Even while in jail, Kejriwal not only managed to retain his position but also prevented his party from disintegrating.

Kejriwal's sharp political instincts were on full display when he managed to create problems for the BJP during the limited time he was out of jail during the Lok Sabha elections.

First, he presented a narrative about Prime Minister Modi’s “retirement age (75)” the next year, and then sparked speculation about the political future of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. Kejriwal claimed that Adityanath would be removed as CM within two months after the Lok Sabha poll results, a statement that is said to have affected the BJP’s Lok Sabha performance in Uttar Pradesh.

While his resignation announcement and demand for early elections are being hailed as a “political masterstroke” by supporters, there are also elements of psychological warfare — such as his comparison with Bhagat Singh — in his statements, which will be fully showcased when he takes to the streets.

Timing and strategy

The timing allows him to position himself as a victim of vendetta politics by the BJP-led Central Government, and he might also campaign in the neighbouring Haryana, which goes to the polls in October.

The fact is, Kejriwal has little to lose in Delhi. With elections in Delhi due in February 2025, he has ample time to regroup his cadre, reshape the party’s narrative, try to garner public sympathy over the corruption allegations against him, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and other AAP leaders, and also combat anti-incumbency.

Kejriwal has been the Chief Minister of Delhi for most of the past decade, except for a brief period when the National Capital was under Central rule. AAP has also been dealing with internal discontent due to the negative buildup and the party’s poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Who will get the top job?

AAP is largely a one-man show, and whoever takes the top job will likely be someone in whom Kejriwal has complete confidence.

On Monday, Sisodia met Kejriwal, sparking a fresh wave of speculation. However, it seems that those accused in corruption cases are not in the running. This would likely rule out leaders like Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who was also arrested in connection with a corruption case linked to the Delhi liquor policy and is currently out on bail, like Sisodia and Kejriwal.

Apart from his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi is believed to be a key contender, along with colleague Saurabh Bhardwaj and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. Najafgarh MLA Kailash Gahlot, who could also provide a fillip to AAP's campaign in the neighbouring Haryana, is also in the race for the job.