Kejriwal’s resignation announcement sparks speculation about the move and the future of AAP

In a move that has surprised many, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to resign on September 17. As speculations swirl about the reasons behind his decision, political observers are divided—some see it as a strategic manoeuvre, while others suggest it might be a forced move driven by internal and external pressures. The resignation raises serious questions about the future of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and crucially, who might succeed him as the next Delhi chief minister. Kejriwal, known for his populist style of politics, has in the past made many bold announcements that appeared to be strategic gambles, often aimed at galvanising his voter base. His decision to step down as Delhi's Chief Minister in 2014 over the Jan Lokpal Bill is a notable example. The Congress party maintains that this upcoming resignation could be another political gimmick, designed to keep Kejriwal in the spotlight or shift the narrative around AAP’s recent challenges, especially when the Delhi elections are just months away.

Interestingly, Kejriwal did not resign while he was in jail and ran the Delhi government from behind the bars. He maintains that it is the BJP’s design to embroil non-BJP chief ministers into false cases of corruption and send them to jail, make them resign and split their party. He is vocal about it and implores other CMs not to resign come what may.  However, there are also compelling arguments that this resignation may be more than just a stunt, an attempt to revive the party. His resignation is perhaps a necessary response to salvage his image as an honest and selfless leader and boost his party’s standing in the upcoming elections. He would have an advantage when he goes to voters and tells them about his resignation and plays a victim card. Regardless of whether Kejriwal’s resignation is a tactic or a forced measure, it undeniably leaves AAP at a critical juncture. Kejriwal has been the face of the party since its inception, and his exit from the Delhi Chief Minister's office could destabilise the party’s core support base. More so as second-in-command, Manish Sisodia will also not be named as the new CM. AAP has worked hard to position itself as an alternative to the national parties, with a focus on governance, education, healthcare, and anti-corruption measures. However, the party’s fortunes have largely depended on Kejriwal’s leadership. His potential resignation could either pave the way for the party to mature into a broader, more stable entity or expose its dependency on a single individual. The pressing question now is: Who could be the next CM? Many AAP leader could take his place–Sanjay Singh, Atishi Marlena, Raghav Chadha or even his wife Sunita but it would be Kejriwal’s choice for sure. As AAP looks ahead, the question remains: can the party make a comeback in the next elections despite its top brass embroiled in serious charges of corruption and wrongdoing. Well, Delhities would know better.