Arvind Kejriwal's Resignation and Political Strategy Amid Allegations

Indian opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation as chief minister of Delhi, following his release from prison on bail related to a graft case. Kejriwal plans to return to the post only if people vote for him in the upcoming Delhi election, which he urges to be held in November.

Indian opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation as chief minister of the Delhi regional government on Sunday, just two days after securing bail in a graft case.

Kejriwal was released on Friday after India's Supreme Court granted him bail, following a six-month detention over alleged irregularities in Delhi's liquor policy. This embattled leader, known for his strong criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a background in anti-corruption activism, leads the relatively new Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has quickly gained traction despite being smaller than other opposition factions.

AAP had hoped that Kejriwal's release would enable him to lead campaigns for regional elections in Haryana next month and in Delhi early next year. However, Kejriwal stated that he would only return to his position if voters affirm his integrity in the upcoming Delhi election, calling for the Election Commission to advance the election timetable from February 2025 to November this year.

'I demand elections be held in November along with those in Maharashtra,' Kejriwal said in his resignation announcement, framing his prior arrests as politically driven actions. He was initially detained by India's financial crime agency in March, ahead of national elections, and although granted bail in July, was re-arrested by federal police on related charges the following month. Both he and his party dismiss these allegations as 'politically motivated.'

(With inputs from agencies.)