Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), resigned today, Tuesday, from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi. Following this, newly elected leader of the AAP legislative party, Atishi, has staked a claim to form the Delhi government. Kejriwal submitted his resignation to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Speaking to reporters, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said that after being granted bail in the Delhi excise case, Kejriwal had stated that he would only assume the position of Chief Minister again after receiving a fresh mandate from the people of Delhi in the upcoming assembly elections.
Gopal Rai further explained that AAP legislators held a meeting in the morning and elected Atishi as their leader. They informed the Lieutenant Governor, and Atishi has now staked a claim to form the government. They have requested that the date for the swearing-in ceremony be set as soon as possible so that the work related to the two crore residents of Delhi can proceed.
It is worth noting that after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise policy case, Kejriwal was released from Tihar Jail in the national capital on September 13. The Supreme Court imposed certain conditions for his release, including a restriction on making public comments about the case and the requirement to attend all hearings in the trial court unless excused.