Shortly after Arvind Kejriwal announced his intention to resign as Delhi Chief Minister within two days, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari labeled the move a “PR stunt” aimed at salvaging his public image. Bhandari claimed Kejriwal was mimicking the strategy used by Sonia Gandhi, who, according to him, ran the government behind the scenes after making Manmohan Singh the Prime Minister.
“This is purely a PR exercise by Arvind Kejriwal. He knows that his image in Delhi has shifted from an honest leader to one perceived as corrupt. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has gained a reputation nationwide for corruption, and this move is Kejriwal’s attempt to restore his image. It’s the same tactic Sonia Gandhi used—running the government while placing a figurehead in power. The AAP understands that it is losing the upcoming Delhi elections, so Kejriwal is looking for a scapegoat,” Bhandari commented.
BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also weighed in, claiming that Kejriwal’s resignation wasn’t voluntary, but rather a result of a Supreme Court order. Sirsa further alleged that Kejriwal was using the two-day window to convince AAP legislators to support his wife as the next Chief Minister.
“This isn’t some noble sacrifice. The Supreme Court has made it clear that Kejriwal cannot resume his duties as CM, nor sign official documents. He’s being forced to resign because of his involvement in the Delhi Excise Policy scam. Kejriwal’s request for two days is merely a ploy to gather support among AAP MLAs for his wife to take over the CM post,” Sirsa claimed.
Earlier on Sunday, Kejriwal announced his intent to step down, stating he would not return to the CM position until the people of Delhi declared him “honest” in the upcoming elections. He also hinted at pushing for early elections in both Delhi and Maharashtra.
“If the people believe I’m honest, they will vote for me. If not, they won’t. Your vote will be my certificate of honesty,” Kejriwal said, adding that he will only return as CM if re-elected.
Kejriwal’s announcement comes just days after he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi Excise Policy corruption case, following his release from Tihar Jail on Friday.
