Kejriwal’s Political Gambit: Resignation, Arrest, and a Calculated Return?

 The Unseen Strategy Behind Kejriwal’s Resignation: Power Play or Collapse? Let’s cut the noise. Arvind Kejriwal resigning as Delhi's Chief Minister isn't just another headline; it's political chess. But before you jump to conclusions about him bowing out, consider this: the man has a history of pulling off stunts that keep both his supporters and opponents guessing.

The resignation comes on the heels of his recent arrest and release, where he was held for questioning over alleged corruption in the Delhi liquor policy. Coincidence? Probably not. In fact, it mirrors something straight out of Machiavelli’s The Prince—a ruler retreating strategically to save face and regroup, all while maintaining power in the long run. Kejriwal’s not backing down; he’s recalibrating. He knows how public perception works, and by stepping down, he lets the media storm blow over, keeping his image as "the people's leader" intact.

Now let’s look at the numbers. In 2020, Kejriwal’s AAP won a staggering 62 out of 70 seats in Delhi’s assembly elections (source: Election Commission of India). That’s not a small feat, and it’s not something that erodes overnight. His popularity in urban Delhi remains strong, especially in the wake of his governance on healthcare, education, and basic utilities. But the BJP has been tightening the screws on AAP, particularly with the corruption charges around the liquor policy. His arrest might have been an attempt to tarnish his image ahead of the 2024 general elections, but Kejriwal's resignation shifts the narrative, making him the focus once again.

Philosophically, this echoes Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialism: it’s not about the situation but how you choose to respond to it. Kejriwal’s resignation is his way of rejecting the narrative imposed by external forces and asserting control over his political destiny. In a way, he’s creating his own meaning in the chaos, not letting BJP’s agenda define him.

But here’s the brutality of it: Kejriwal’s stepping down might seem like weakness to his critics, but it’s a masterclass in political self-preservation. By resigning now, he escapes direct scrutiny and criticism, allowing his loyal base to frame him as a victim of political witch-hunting. And as any student of power will tell you, there’s no better way to solidify your standing than by playing the underdog.

The BJP, meanwhile, is scrambling to make sense of this. They’ve been pushing the narrative of Kejriwal’s corruption, but now they’ll have to deal with the fallout of his exit, which shifts focus away from policy failures and towards his eventual return. Remember, Niccolò Machiavelli also warned that “whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past.” Kejriwal’s past shows a pattern of withdrawing from confrontation, only to bounce back stronger.

So, where does this leave us? Kejriwal’s political retreat might look like an exit, but don’t be fooled. He’s setting the stage for a dramatic comeback, likely framing his re-entry as an act of service for the people. His arrest and subsequent release only fuel the narrative that he’s the target of a politically motivated attack, and that’s precisely the angle he’ll exploit. Neutral or not, Kejriwal’s playing the long game here.

Data Sources:

• 2020 Delhi Assembly Election Results, Election Commission of India

• Kejriwal's arrest and release details, The Indian Express, NDTV