Kejriwal Plans to Resign as Delhi CM, Calls for Early Elections

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced plans to resign and wait for public endorsement of his honesty. Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel supported the move. Kejriwal accused the central government of targeting non-BJP CMs and called for early elections in Delhi, coinciding with Maharashtra polls in November.

After Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his intention to resign, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel held a meeting with him on Sunday evening. Goel later stated that Kejriwal's decision was driven by a desire to prove his honesty rather than hold onto power.

Speaking to party members, Kejriwal declared, "I will resign in two days and not return as CM until the public affirms my integrity. If re-elected, it will be a certificate of my honesty." He called for elections to be moved up to November, to coincide with Maharashtra's state elections.

Kejriwal accused the central government of targeting CM's of non-BJP states with legal cases. The BJP dismissed his announcement as a "PR stunt." This comes as Kejriwal makes his first public appearance since being released on bail from Tihar Jail, where he was held on corruption charges related to the Delhi Excise Policy scam.

(With inputs from agencies.)