Kejriwal’s surprise resignation leaves AAP workers stunned

Amid rousing applause, Arvind Kejriwal sent shockwaves through AAP party workers by announcing his resignation from the Chief Minister’s position within the next two days during his first address to the party on Sunday, just two days after his release from Tihar Jail.

‘Have full faith in party leadership’

It’s better to have a new CM than to allow the BJP to run the government through the L-G. The BJP wanted to topple the government — first, the Supreme Court’s decision was a tight slap on them, and now Kejriwal has left them startled. We have full faith in the party leadership. — Akshay, AAP worker

We welcome his move. I’m sure no other CM would dare to challenge the BJP the way Kejriwal has. — Shreya, party worker

His decision to step down as CM left party workers stunned, as they chanted “No” in unison, opposing his decision.

Kejriwal said he would only return to the Chief Minister’s seat after being re-elected by the people.

“Today I have come to the people’s court... main desh ki janata se janana chahta hun — kya aap Kejriwal ko imaandaar maante ho ya gunehgaar (I want to ask the people of this country, do you consider Kejriwal honest or guilty)?” he asked, to which the crowd responded by chanting “imaandaar” (honest).

Mohammad Aamil Malik, a councillor from Sri Ram Colony, said, “It is the elders’ decision, and we respect it. They must have considered the party’s future goals, and we are hopeful that the public will declare him an honest man.”

After Kejriwal concluded his speech and announced his decision, party workers chanted in unison, “Kejriwal tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhaare saath hain (Kejriwal, you keep fighting, we are with you).”

Akshay, an AAP worker, said, “It’s better to have a new CM than to allow the BJP to run the government through the L-G. The BJP wanted to topple the government — first, the Supreme Court’s decision was a tight slap on them, and now Kejriwal has left them startled. We have full faith in the party leadership.”

Workers expressed their continued support for Kejriwal, saying they have stood by him from the days of Jantar Mantar to his 49-day government, and they will support him now too.

“We were shocked by the announcement. At first, we didn’t believe it was really happening, but we welcome his move. I’m sure no other CM would dare to challenge the BJP the way Kejriwal has,” said Shreya, another party worker.

As discussions about who might be the next CM of Delhi continued, one worker remarked, “The elected government will have a CM, and this will boost the party. The BJP has tried everything, but the party has come out stronger. Whether it’s Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi, or anyone else who becomes CM, it will be a win for the party.”