Social activist Anna Hazare responded to the situation shortly after Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced his decision to step down from the top ministerial position on Sunday, only days after being freed on bail in the Excise Policy Scandal. According to the Gandhian social worker, Arvind Kejriwal ignored his advice to stay out of politics, which he had given him years ago.

Anna Hazare, who earlier spearheaded an anti-corruption movement alongside Kejriwal in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, said: "I had already cautioned Kejriwal not to enter politics. I explained several times that true fulfilment comes from social duty, but he didn't listen. I have been arguing since the outset that Arvind Kejriwal should not have entered politics. He chose not to take my advice."

"What occurred now was unavoidable. I have no idea what is in Arvind Kejriwal's heart," Hazare added.
Notably, this is not the first time Anna Hazare has responded to developments involving Arvind Kejriwal. Previously, Anna Hazare expressed his dissatisfaction with Kejriwal's imprisonment in the Delhi excise policy case.

"I am deeply upset that Arvind Kejriwal, who once worked with me and spoke out against liquor, is now involved in formulating liquor policies," Mr Hazare said at the time, expressing his dissatisfaction. "His arrest is a consequence of his own actions."

Excise Policy Scandal
Image Source: Shabd Varsha

Kejriwal's Declaration on Excise Policy Scandal

It's integral to note that Anna Hazare's remarks follow Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's declaration that he will step down from his position in two days and advocate for early elections in the nation's capital. In order to obtain a "certificate of honesty" from the people, Kejriwal has sworn he will not take back his position as Chief Minister. After being given bail in the excise policy corruption case, Kejriwal declared, "I will not take up my position as Chief Minister until I receive an honesty certificate from the people. I want to go through this 'agnipariksha' once I'm out of jail."

He went on to say, "Until the elections are conducted, someone else will serve as Chief Minister. Both Manish Sisodia and I will refrain from assuming the position of Chief Minister."

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