Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, known for his dramatic political maneuvers, has once again grabbed the headlines with his announcement on Sunday that he would resign within 48 hours. Kejriwal claims this move is based on his desire to seek a fresh mandate and “prove a point or two.” However, a closer look at the timing and circumstances reveals that this is far from an act of morality. Instead, it appears to be a called political gimmick aimed at deflecting attention from the legal challenges he faces. Kejriwal is currently on bail in the multi-crore state excise scam, where he has been accused of being the ‘kingpin.’ The Supreme Court, while granting him bail, placed strict conditions—barring him from entering the Secretariat or clearing any files. This clearly signals the gravity of the allegations. Despite his claims of moral high ground, the fact that the apex court has indirectly curtailed his functioning as the head of the Delhi government speaks volumes. The court, in its wisdom, did not explicitly call for his resignation, but its conditions practically rendered his position untenable. Kejriwal, knowing full well that he can no longer perform his duties effectively under these restrictions, has chosen to present his resignation as a righteous act. The real question, however, is whether the public will be misled by this narrative. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Delhi’s electorate spoke loud and clear when Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was handed a crushing defeat, losing all seven parliamentary seats. It is apparent that the voters were not convinced by his rhetoric or his party’s performance, particularly in light of the accusations surrounding the excise scam. This raises doubts about whether a fresh mandate would bring any different results. Kejriwal’s attempt to spin his resignation as a moral stand, after such a clear rejection in national elections, seems more like a desperate attempt to regain political credibility.
Kejriwal’s reliance on past victories in state elections might not be enough this time. The political landscape has changed, and the electorate is far more aware of the allegations his party faces. The excise scam, where his government is accused of receiving bribes through a South Lobby to manipulate liquor policies, casts a long shadow over his leadership. The money, according to investigations, was allegedly funnelled through hawala channels and used for AAP’s electoral campaigns in Goa. The Supreme Court has even hinted at the possibility of making the party itself the prime accused. This isn’t just an attack on a few individuals—it raises serious questions about the integrity of the entire AAP. In light of these developments, Kejriwal’s position as Chief Minister has become increasingly untenable. His resignation is not a moral choice but an inevitable consequence of his inability to continue governing effectively under the scrutiny of the law. The celebrations by his party members, who burst crackers to celebrate his bail, are a stark reminder of the disconnect between the AAP leadership and the principles they once claimed to stand for. The very act of bursting crackers violates their own government’s ordinance banning such activities—a small but telling example of the hypocrisy that now seems to define AAP’s politics.
Kejriwal is not the only opposition leader under scrutiny. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and its leader, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also face severe criticism for their handling of a gang rape and murder case involving a junior doctor. The Supreme Court has already pulled up Banerjee’s government for mishandling the investigation and covering up key evidence. The similarities between Kejriwal and Banerjee’s situations are striking—both leaders head opposition parties that are part of the INDIA alliance, both face allegations of misconduct, and both now find themselves cornered by legal proceedings. Ironically, several key leaders in the INDIA bloc are embroiled in similar criminal cases and are currently out on bail. This includes Congress icons Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi, who is now the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The RJD chief’s family is also entangled in legal controversies—Lalu Prasad Yadav, convicted in the multi-crore fodder scam but out on bail in other cases, his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and his son Tejasvi Yadav, who served as deputy chief minister during Nitish Kumar’s brief coalition with the JDU and Congress. Banerjee’s role in the case, where she holds both the Health and Home portfolios, has come under intense scrutiny. The destruction of key evidence, discrepancies in the panchanama, and the hurried final rites of the victim have all cast a dark cloud over her administration. The Supreme Court has already expressed its displeasure at the state’s handling of the case and may yet recommend further action. Like Kejriwal, Banerjee may soon find herself in a position where her continuation in office becomes untenable. As Kejriwal moves towards his resignation, it is important to question the motivations behind his decision. Is it truly a matter of morality, or is it simply a political calculation to avoid further damage to his image and party? The Delhi electorate has already shown skepticism towards AAP’s leadership in national elections, and the shadow of the excise scam looms large. Kejriwal’s resignation is unlikely to be seen as an act of integrity—it is more likely a desperate attempt to save face in a political landscape that is becoming increasingly hostile to his party. In other words, Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation is not the virtuous act he claims it to be. It is a carefully calculated political gimmick, designed to distract from the legal challenges he faces and the growing discontent among the electorate. The real test will come in the next election, where the people of Delhi will have to decide whether they believe in Kejriwal’s narrative or see through the charade.
