NEW DELHI – Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Indian opposition and chief minister of Delhi, has announced his resignation from the position, just a day after being released from prison on bail. His release follows a nearly six-month detention related to allegations of corruption concerning Delhi’s liquor policy.
The Supreme Court of India granted bail to Kejriwal on Friday, allowing him to leave prison on Saturday. His detainment had occurred amid charges linked to irregularities in the implementation of the liquor policy in Delhi, a case that has been a point of contention in Indian politics.
Kejriwal, a prominent critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced his resignation at a meeting with workers of his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He stated that he would only consider returning to the role of chief minister if he receives a clear endorsement of his integrity from voters in the upcoming Delhi elections. He has also called for the Delhi elections to be advanced to November, aligning them with the Maharashtra state elections, rather than waiting until February 2025.
“I demand elections be held in November with Maharashtra elections; I demand the elections be held immediately,” Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal was initially arrested in March by India’s financial crime agency and was later detained again by federal police in April on related charges. Despite being granted bail in July, he remained in custody due to the ongoing investigations.
Kejriwal, aged 55, and his party, AAP, have consistently denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated attacks against him. The party had anticipated that his release would enable him to campaign for upcoming regional elections in Haryana and Delhi.