Kejriwal’s possible resignation appears to be a strategic transfer in mild of his ongoing authorized battles.And but, he has set the stage for a dramatic return, vowing to reclaim the chief minister’s workplace solely after being “licensed trustworthy” by the folks within the upcoming elections.
Some acquainted names are being seen as his potential alternative: his spouse, Sunita Kejriwal, and outstanding ministers like Atishi and Gopal Rai. Nonetheless, Kejriwal’s refusal to appoint a successor has solely fueled extra conjecture, leaving many questioning who will lead the AAP as Delhi approaches a important electoral season.
Spouse Sunita, Atishi amongst high contenders
With Kejriwal proposing to step apart quickly, there was a widespread buzz across the names of his potential successors. One identify stands out, who performed a pivotal position to maintain AAP afloat after Delhi CM’s arrest, Sunita Kejriwal.
A former Indian Income Providers (IRS) officer, Sunita isn’t any stranger to the politics of the state. She led the get together’s marketing campaign efforts, serving to to mobilise AAP’s base throughout Delhi, Gujarat, and Haryana. Her administrative expertise and proximity to Kejriwal give her a novel edge.
Among the many AAP ranks, minister Atishi is one other contender who would possibly exchange Kejriwal. Taking on as Delhi’s training minister after Sisodia’s arrest, Atishi’s monitor document in AAP makes her a high contender. She has dealt with among the authorities’s most important portfolios—training, finance, PWD—and has been an vital spokesperson for the get together. Her understanding of governance and her shut affiliation with Kejriwal may make her a front-runner within the race.
Gopal Rai, a seasoned chief with a long-standing position within the get together, is taken into account one other viable choice. Identified for his expertise and loyalty to AAP since its inception, Rai’s appointment may sign a gentle hand on the helm, particularly as Delhi braces for a decent electoral contest.
Kailash Gahlot, one other trusted minister, can also be within the dialog, holding key portfolios like transport and income. Nonetheless, with elections simply months away, the get together would possibly lean towards somebody who can join with broader demographics. Saurabh Bharjwaj, who holds vital posts in Delhi authorities, can also be being seen as a contender for the highest put up in Delhi authorities.
The AAP could even think about an unconventional candidate, with talks of a Dalit or Muslim legislator taking on the reins. This might assist the get together consolidate votes in constituencies the place minority teams maintain important sway—an vital issue within the upcoming Delhi meeting elections.
Kejriwal, whereas addressing the get together staff at AAP’s headquarters, hinted {that a} determination on his alternative could be made quickly in session with get together MLAs.
Why Kejriwal’s determination to resign ain’t that stunning
The Supreme Courtroom granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, topic to a number of situations. Essentially the most notable amongst these is a restriction that prohibits him from coming into the chief minister’s workplace or signing official paperwork “except completely vital to acquire the lieutenant governor’s sanctions.” He has additionally been forbidden from coming into the Delhi secretariat.
Following the announcement of his determination, Kejriwal known as for early elections within the capital. He mentioned, “The elections are speculated to be held in February. I demand elections be held in November with Maharashtra elections. Until elections are held, another person from the get together would be the chief minister.”
The Delhi Meeting elections are slated to happen in February 2024, which is simply 4 months away. Kejriwal expressed his need to return to workplace solely after securing the belief and mandate of the folks by the electoral course of.
