Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his resignation within the next two days (by Tuesday). Kejriwal has stated clearly that he wants to undergo a trial by fire after his release from jail and will not sit on the CM’s chair until he is re-elected by the public. Kejriwal mentioned that until the elections, another MLA from AAP will become the new Chief Minister. Like Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia has also refused to take any ministerial position in the government. Sisodia has stated that he will only return to the posts of Deputy CM and Education Minister if the people of Delhi confirm their trust in his honesty.
With just five months left (February 2025) until the Delhi Assembly elections, the question arises: Who will be the new Chief Minister until the elections? Who will be the new face? Will the residents of Delhi continue to benefit from free bus rides and 200 units of free electricity? These are the 5 major questions that Delhiites want answers to.
Let's understand...
1). Will the scheme of giving Rs 1,000 monthly to women be implemented?
Right before the general elections (March 4, 2024), the Delhi government presented its 10th budget with significant announcements for women. Chief Minister Kejriwal said they are introducing the 'Chief Minister Women’s Honor' scheme. Under this scheme, women above 18 years of age will receive Rs 1,000 monthly directly in their bank accounts. However, women in government jobs, those paying income tax, or those who are pensioners will not benefit from this scheme. Kejriwal assured that this scheme would be implemented in the cabinet after the Lok Sabha elections. However, on March 21, Kejriwal was sent to jail in connection with a money laundering case involving an alleged liquor policy scam, putting the scheme on hold.
Now that Kejriwal has been released, the conditions of his bail have tied his hands, making it difficult for him to convene a cabinet meeting. It is now estimated that this scheme may not be implemented until the assembly elections. However, there is hope again. If Delhi gets a new Chief Minister and the scheme gets the cabinet's approval, nearly 5 million women in Delhi could benefit. This scheme could prove to be a significant turning point for the Kejriwal government in the elections. A sum of Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for the 'Chief Minister Women’s Honor' scheme in the 2024-2025 budget.
2). Who will be the next Chief Minister?
With Kejriwal announcing his resignation, the race for the new face has intensified. Suspense surrounds who will take over Kejriwal’s chair. There is speculation within the Aam Aadmi Party regarding several names. A meeting is reportedly scheduled at Kejriwal’s residence on Monday, where Manish Sisodia will also be present. Sisodia was present when Kejriwal announced his resignation at the party office on Sunday. This meeting is expected to discuss the new Chief Minister. Will Kejriwal’s successor be a minister from the Delhi government or a surprise candidate? Names currently under consideration include Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, and Kailash Gahlot.
Insiders say that Kejriwal mentioned Atishi’s name in his speech while addressing party workers on Sunday. Kejriwal stated that since he was in jail during Independence Day, he nominated Atishi to hoist the flag. He had even written a letter to the LG nominating Atishi, but it did not reach the LG. Now, questions arise: Will Atishi’s name reach the LG for the Chief Minister’s post? Atishi is considered one of the heaviest weights in Kejriwal’s cabinet and is seen as a close ally and confidante of Kejriwal. A cabinet minister position in the Delhi government also remains vacant.
Source: aajtak
3). When will elections be held in Delhi?
Elections in Delhi are proposed for February 2025. However, on Sunday, when Kejriwal announced his resignation, he also expressed a desire for the Delhi Assembly elections to be held in November instead of February. There are possibilities that Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand might also take place in November this year.
Although Kejriwal has demanded elections in November, he is not in an immediate rush for them. He has only announced his resignation from the CM post, with no proposals for the dissolution of the cabinet or the Assembly. Instead, he is betting on a new face. Kejriwal must write to the Election Commission requesting early elections and provide reasons for the same. Currently, Delhi's voter list is being updated, which is unlikely to be completed within two months, making it probable that the elections will take place in February as scheduled.
Legal experts suggest that the formation of a new cabinet will follow the appointment of a new CM. Kejriwal’s resignation will go to the LG for approval and then be sent to the President. The President will also have to approve the resignation. Only then will the new Chief Minister formally claim the formation of the government. This entire process could take some time.
4). Will free electricity and bus travel continue?
The answer to this question is 'yes.' Despite Kejriwal stepping down, his policies and decisions will continue to influence the government. The free electricity and bus travel schemes are part of Kejriwal’s dream projects and have been presented as the 'Delhi Model' in election campaigns.
Source: aajtak
5). Will AAP gain sympathy votes in Haryana?
Political experts believe that Kejriwal's resignation is a strategic move aimed at garnering sympathy votes for AAP in upcoming elections. As the convenor of AAP, Kejriwal has always portrayed himself as someone with unflinching integrity. However, recent controversies surrounding the government have put a dent in its reputation. These include the alleged liquor policy scam, exorbitant spending on the Chief Minister’s residence, and ongoing issues like water scarcity and scandals within the water board. Despite AAP’s hold in Delhi and Punjab, this resignation appears to be a tactical move to mitigate damage and boost the party’s standing in Haryana, where Kejriwal is originally from.
Experts suggest that Kejriwal’s decision could yield multiple benefits for AAP, including in Maharashtra, where elections are also around the corner. As AAP plans to contest elections in Maharashtra, Kejriwal's resignation could potentially attract sympathy votes there as well. Since an AAP-Congress alliance didn't materialize in Haryana, Kejriwal’s resignation could generate favorable sentiment for AAP in upcoming elections, securing several seats through sympathy votes.
Source: aajtak
However, Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav claims that Kejriwal is trying to garner sympathy. He argues that the resignation announcement is an attempt to mislead the public, given the corruption allegations against Kejriwal. Yadav criticizes Kejriwal’s move as a tactic to evade these allegations.
'If you think I'm guilty, don't vote for me'
Kejriwal has stated that the people of Delhi have the choice to determine his future. He said, 'If you believe that I am honest, then vote for me. If you think I am guilty, then don't vote for me.' Drawing a parallel to the epic Ramayana, Kejriwal added, 'When Lord Ram returned after 14 years of exile, Sita had to undergo a trial by fire. Having just been released from jail, I am prepared for a similar test. I stand before the public and seek their judgment on whether they consider me honest or guilty.'
