Arvind Kejriwal resigns as Delhi CM, Atishi stakes claim to form government

Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday (Sep 17) tendered his resignation as Delhi chief minister, a position that he held for over a decade. Kejriwal met Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at his residence along with his cabinet ministers and handed in his papers.

Within minutes, Kejriwal’s colleague Atishi staked a claim to form the government. Speaking to the press, she said, “The people of Delhi are resolved to make Arvind Kejriwal the Chief Minister again" and that "this is an emotional moment for the party and the people".

"Today Arvind Kejriwal submitted his resignation. This is an emotional moment for the party and people of Delhi. At the same time, the people are resolved to make Kejriwal the Chief Minister again. And, till the election is held and we stake claim to the new government, I will look after Delhi," she told the media.

Earlier today, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)said the party had selected Atishi as the leader of the legislative party.

As per reports, Atishi is expected to take oath as Delhi CM during a special Assembly session scheduled for September 26-27.

Assembly elections in Delhi are due in February but Kejriwal has called for early elections in November, a decision that lies with the Election Commission of India.

Kejriwal was arrested in March this year by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s federal agency looking after economic crimes. He was detained again in June by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on money laundering and corruption charges related to the liquor policy case.

Kejriwal was finally granted bail by the Supreme Court of India (SC) last week, which said his "prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty".

However, the bail included strict conditions and he was barred from signing government orders or files without the consent of the Lieutenant Governor.

On Sunday, two days after being released from jail, Kejriwal made a big political move and announced he will tender his resignation within two days.

(With inputs from agencies)