Delhi LG VK Saxena Moves Kejriwal's Resignation To President, Proposes Sep 21 Swearing-In For Atishi: Report

Delhi LG Saxena has forwarded Arvind Kejriwal's resignation to the President, proposing September 21 for his successor Atishi's swearing-in ceremony as Delhi Chief Minister.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has forwarded the resignation letter of outgoing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to President Droupadi Murmu and proposed September 21 as the date for the swearing-in ceremony of his successor Atishi, news agency PTI reported citing sources. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, who also serves as the party’s national general secretary (organisation), revealed that Kejriwal would interact with the public in a series of rallies to seek their opinion on his honesty.

Speaking to PTI-Videos, Sandeep stated, “Kejriwal did not resign while in jail to save democracy and the Constitution. The question arises—why did he resign now? Whenever you try to suppress him, he won’t bow down and will stand like a mountain. He resigned now because of his ideals.”

Sandeep went on to criticise the BJP, claiming the party was attempting to topple governments across the country. “The BJP is toppling governments everywhere, but when their chariot reached Delhi to do the same, Kejriwal diffused their plan by not resigning while he was in jail,” he emphasised. He asserted that Kejriwal's resignation was a matter of principles, adding, “There was no need for him to step down since he had got bail, and the government would have resumed functioning again.”

Looking ahead to the Delhi Assembly elections, Sandeep disclosed that the party is planning rallies where Kejriwal will directly ask the public whether they consider him honest. “If they feel he is honest, they should vote for him and make him the chief minister again. If they feel he is dishonest, they should not vote for him. People will decide,” he remarked. The rallies are expected to be announced soon.

Arvind Kejriwal Proposed Atishi's Name As 'Interim' Delhi Chief Minister: Sandeep Pathak

Kejriwal has entrusted Atishi Marlena with the role of chief minister until the polls early next year. Sandeep explained that Atishi was an obvious choice for the interim role due to her extensive experience in managing several key departments. “All AAP MLAs are capable of becoming the CM. Atishi had been handling several departments already. She has the experience of running several departments, so it was obvious. Arvind Kejriwal proposed her name, and in our party, the word of our leader is final, and everyone is emotionally connected,” Sandeep added, as quoted by PTI.

Reflecting on Kejriwal’s resignation, Sandeep said it was a “sad day” for the party. “We agreed with his decision with a heavy heart, but someone had to be made the interim chief minister, hence she was chosen.”

In addition to the developments in Delhi, the AAP is also preparing for the Haryana Assembly polls on October 5.  After unsuccessful talks with the Congress over an alliance, the AAP has decided to contest the polls independently. Sandeep expressed confidence about the party's prospects in Haryana, stating, “The BJP has already packed its bags, and they will face a big defeat. People of Haryana want change... something amazing is going to happen.”