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Arvind Kejriwal's surprise decision to resign as Delhi's Chief Minister, just months ahead of the Assembly elections, has sent shockwaves through Indian politics. While the move appears audacious, a closer analysis reveals a series of calculated strategic moves aimed at securing a political victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This article delves into the five key reasons why Kejriwal's resignation can be viewed as a shrewd political strategy, potentially earning him a ‘sixer’ in the upcoming polls.
The most apparent motivation behind Kejriwal's resignation is the ongoing corruption allegations surrounding him and his former Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia. The excise policy case has cast a shadow over the AAP, with both leaders facing legal battles and public scrutiny. By stepping down, Kejriwal hopes to distance himself from these allegations and present himself as a leader seeking a fresh mandate from the people. This move could potentially garner public sympathy and support, positioning him as a leader willing to face the people's judgment rather than clinging to power under a cloud of corruption. The AAP might portray this resignation as a form of ‘agnipariksha’, a trial by fire, where they aim to prove their honesty through the people's verdict.
Anti-incumbency is a significant challenge for any party seeking re-election, and the AAP, despite its popularity, is not immune to this phenomenon. Kejriwal's move to resign and call for early elections is an attempt to preempt this issue. By stepping down, he essentially resets the clock on his tenure, allowing him to campaign on a clean slate. This strategy allows him to focus on the party's achievements and future promises, rather than being bogged down by the baggage of a decade-long incumbency. Additionally, this move allows the AAP to consolidate its unity and strategy under Kejriwal's leadership, who is now free from his recent legal troubles.
Kejriwal's decision to call for elections in November 2024, coinciding with the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, is not merely a coincidence. The current political climate in India is marked by a growing sense of discontent against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In Maharashtra, the BJP is facing anger on several fronts, including the Maratha reservation issue. Similarly, in Jharkhand, the BJP has been struggling to regain power from the JMM-led Mahagathbandhan. Kejriwal is aiming to capitalize on this broader anti-BJP sentiment, using the opposition's momentum in other states as a tailwind for the Delhi elections. The coordinated anti-BJP narratives in these states could amplify the campaign noise, helping the AAP to build a stronger opposition narrative ahead of the Delhi elections.
The looming threat of Central Rule in Delhi could have been a significant factor in Kejriwal's decision. While Kejriwal was in jail, several BJP leaders demanded the imposition of President's rule in Delhi, citing the failure to carry out day-to-day governance affairs. Had Kejriwal continued as the CM under the strict bail conditions imposed by the Supreme Court, the central government could have cited policy paralysis and potentially delayed the Delhi elections by up to six months. By resigning and calling for early elections, Kejriwal effectively circumvents the possibility of central rule, giving the AAP a tactical advantage in the upcoming elections.
Kejriwal's resignation is a bold gamble, but one calculated to exploit the current political landscape to his advantage. By positioning himself as a victim of BJP's “vendetta politics”, addressing corruption concerns, and leveraging the anti-BJP sentiment, he is aiming for a decisive victory in the upcoming elections. Whether this strategy will yield the desired results remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kejriwal's move has injected a fresh dose of intrigue and excitement into Indian politics.
Source: Arvind Kejriwal's move to resign is a political sixer. 5 big reasons why