Arvind Kejriwal, a man who once proudly proclaimed himself an anarchist, has once again dipped into his bag of political theatrics with his latest resignation. Tuesday’s announcement, proposing the fiery Atishi “Marlena” Singh as his successor, reeks of strategy rather than sacrifice. This calculated move, designed to evoke sympathy and reset public opinion, is neither new nor surprising. After all, Kejriwal’s political playbook has long been filled with drama, from his meteoric rise as the face of anti-corruption to his many battles against the establishment. Atishi Singh, a 43-year-old politician with a commendable educational background, stands as Kejriwal’s chosen replacement. Her middle name, “Marlena”—a blend of Marx and Lenin—reflects her ideological roots, but in 2018, she strategically dropped the surname, preferring to be recognized solely for her work. This decision, much like Kejriwal’s, emphasizes public perception over substance. While Atishi’s competence is undeniable, the timing of Kejriwal’s exit and her elevation cannot be viewed outside the context of Delhi’s ongoing political turmoil. Kejriwal, who has been under fire for his involvement in the multi-crore state excise policy scam, dodged resignation for months despite mounting evidence. Named as the ‘kingpin’ in the scam, he finally relented, but only after the Supreme Court made it clear that while granting him bail, he would be forbidden from clearing any files or returning to the State Secretariat. His hand was forced, and his resignation, conveniently timed, plays out more like a bid for sympathy rather than a gesture of accountability.
In his typical style, Kejriwal framed his resignation as an act of morality, claiming that he wants to return to the people for a fresh mandate to prove his innocence. What does this even mean? The timing is suspect. He is calling for elections in November, aligning with other states that are going to the polls. Atishi, the interim Chief Minister, will likely dissolve the assembly and recommend elections, with the Home Ministry pushing the Election Commission to explore the possibility of syncing Delhi’s elections with other states. The so-called sacrifice is nothing but a well-crafted spectacle. The real question is: what does Atishi’s elevation mean for Delhi? Is this simply a temporary arrangement designed to allow Kejriwal to return once the dust settles? All signs point to yes. Atishi’s role, while significant in theory, seems little more than a placeholder for Kejriwal’s eventual comeback, assuming the political winds remain favourable. Meanwhile, the legal case against him proceeds, with a trial expected soon. No amount of theatrics will alter the fact that bail is not an acquittal, and Kejriwal will eventually have to answer for his actions. This isn’t Kejriwal’s first rodeo. In 2014, after just 49 days in office, he resigned in a coalition government with the Congress, only to sweep back to power in 2015 with a stunning victory. His Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 67 out of 70 seats—a result that cemented his political stature. But that was a different time, and Delhi politics has changed. AAP, once the poster child of anti-corruption and clean governance, now finds itself mired in scandals and internal strife. Kejriwal, though clever, may not be able to pull off the same stunt twice. Kejriwal’s ambitions are not confined to Delhi. With the upcoming Haryana polls, he is testing both his personal credibility and that of his party in his home state. Interestingly, AAP has refused to align with the Congress in Haryana, opting instead to go solo. While bold, this decision may backfire. The Congress and BJP have long dominated the state’s political landscape, and Kejriwal’s party remains an outsider. In a state where caste dynamics and regional loyalties run deep, AAP’s “Kattar Imandar” image may not be enough to make inroads, especially with Kejriwal embroiled in a series of corruption cases.
Moreover, while AAP is a member of the 26-party Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, the alliance appears more symbolic than practical. Seat-sharing negotiations between AAP and Congress have stalled, with Kejriwal’s ambitions clashing with the Congress’s entrenched power in Haryana. This refusal to compromise only adds to the sense that Kejriwal’s political instincts, while sharp, may be leading him down a precarious path. As for his resignation drama, it’s clear that Kejriwal hopes to use it to rally support ahead of Delhi’s assembly elections. Whether or not those elections take place in November as he desires is still uncertain. Much depends on how the Modi government handles the upcoming parliamentary session, where the contentious “One Nation, One Election” legislation is set to be debated. If passed, it could fundamentally alter the election calendar and disrupt Kejriwal’s carefully laid plans. In the end, Kejriwal’s resignation is nothing more than a political gambit—a calculated move to shift the narrative away from his legal troubles and rebrand himself as a victim of the system. Atishi may shine in her temporary role, but the real question is whether voters will see through the theatrics. As for Kejriwal, his fate is now in the hands of both the courts and the electorate. He can stage as many resignation dramas as he likes, but in the end, the verdict will come from the people and the judiciary alike.
