Arvind Kejriwal Resigns As Delhi CM, Atishi Marlena Stakes Claim To Form Govt

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tendered his resignation to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday. The resignation follows Kejriwal's recent bail release in the alleged excise policy case.

AAP National convenor Arvind Kejriwal resigns as the Chief Minister of Delhi; tenders his resignation to Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena.

Atishi to take over as next CM of Delhi. pic.twitter.com/hH6mpfegP6

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2024

Following Kejriwal’s resignation, Atishi has staked claimed to form the government.

"Today Arvind Kejriwal has submitted his resignation. This is an emotional moment for the party and the people of Delhi...At the same time, the people of Delhi are resolving to make Arvind Kejriwal the chief minister again...Till the elections are not held I will be looking after Delhi and we have a stake claim to form government," she said as ANI quoted.

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Kejriwal had announced his decision on Sunday while addressing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers. He had stated that he would only assume the Chief Minister’s role again if the public declared their belief in his honesty. "If you believe that Kejriwal is honest, then vote for me," Kejriwal told party workers.

Kejriwal first took office as Delhi Chief Minister in 2013 but resigned after 49 days due to a lack of support for his anti-corruption legislation. He returned to power in 2015 with a historic majority and was re-elected in 2020.

His resignation follows his arrest on March 21, 2024, by the Enforcement Directorate over allegations of a liquor scam. Kejriwal was granted bail on September 13 with certain conditions, and the investigation into the case continues.

Atishi Marlena, a prominent AAP leader, will succeed Kejriwal as the new Chief Minister of Delhi.