Arvind Kejriwal’s Resignation: Who Will Be the Next Delhi CM?

Following Arvind Kejriwal’s surprise resignation, the political landscape of Delhi has been thrown into a whirlwind of speculation and anticipation. The search for his successor is underway, with various names being floated as potential candidates. Among them, Atishi has emerged as a strong contender for the next Chief Minister of Delhi, thanks to her impressive handling of 13 portfolios within the government. Her administrative acumen and political savvy have made her a prominent figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and many believe she is well-equipped to take on the mantle of leadership. Other names being considered include Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Rakhi Birla, each bringing their own unique strengths and experiences to the table.

Atishi’s potential candidacy is supported by her previous responsibilities within the government and signals from the party leadership. Her rise in the party has been swift and evident, highlighted by her selection to hoist the national flag in Kejriwal’s absence, although the task was ultimately assigned to Kailash Gahlot by the Lieutenant Governor. Currently responsible for portfolios such as finance, planning, and education, Atishi has played a key role in the party’s growth and development since its establishment. She was instrumental in drafting the AAP’s manifesto for the 2013 assembly elections and has been vocal about important issues like the Delhi water dispute with neighboring states.

Despite her impressive credentials, Atishi is not the only candidate being considered for the top job. Gopal Rai and Saurabh Bharadwaj are also in the running, each bringing their own set of skills and experiences. Gopal Rai, known for his grassroots connections and organizational capabilities, has been a stalwart of the party. Saurabh Bharadwaj, on the other hand, has been an effective spokesperson and legislator, known for his articulate defense of the party’s policies and actions. The inclusion of Rakhi Birla, a scheduled caste candidate, in the list of potential successors is seen as a strategic move to send a message of inclusivity and representation.

One notable exclusion from the list of potential candidates is Manish Sisodia, who would have been a natural choice for the Chief Minister’s position. However, negative remarks made about him have ruled him out of contention. Even Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, has been excluded from consideration, despite some speculation about her potential candidacy. Choosing Sunita Kejriwal could invite criticism of nepotism from the opposition, a risk the party seems unwilling to take. Kejriwal himself has expressed that Sisodia will only take on the role of Deputy CM and Education Minister if the people of Delhi trust in his honesty.

The recent developments have brought attention to the importance of honesty and integrity in politics, a theme that Kejriwal has emphasized in his public statements. His decision to resign and not hold onto power until deemed honest by the people is seen as a bold move, aligning with the party’s anti-corruption stance. This decision has sparked discussions about the future of AAP and who will lead the party in Delhi. The media and public are eagerly waiting to see who will ultimately take on the role of Delhi’s Chief Minister and continue the work started by Kejriwal.

Kejriwal’s unexpected resignation has caused a flurry of activity within the party, with senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia scheduled to meet Kejriwal to discuss the next steps. This meeting, taking place at the official residence of the CM in the civil lines area, is expected to be crucial in deciding the future direction of AAP in Delhi. Kejriwal’s release on bail from Tihar jail in a graft case related to the excise policy has added another layer of complexity to the situation. Despite the legal challenges, Kejriwal has consistently denied any wrongdoing, deeming the accusations against him as part of a larger political conspiracy.

The charges against Kejriwal and his party involve accepting 1 billion rupees ($12 million) in bribes from a liquor distributor in return for revising liquor sales policies in favor of private companies. As a former civil servant, Kejriwal founded the AAP in 2012 with the promise to rid the Indian political system of corruption and inefficiency. The party’s symbol, a broom, and its promise to clean up governance struck a chord with the residents of Delhi. Some opposition parties have condemned Kejriwal’s arrest and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of misusing federal investigation agencies to target political opponents.

In his address to the public, Kejriwal asked them to decide whether they see him as honest or a criminal, announcing that he would be resigning from his position as Chief Minister in two days. His supporters celebrated his release by holding a public gathering outside his residence, dancing in the rain and lighting firecrackers while carrying placards with pictures of the popular politician. However, leaders from Modi’s party have warned against seeing Kejriwal’s release as an acquittal, reminding the public that he was only granted bail and that government agencies are still pursuing corruption charges against him and his party.

Kejriwal’s resignation has brought attention to the candidates who may take over as the next Delhi Chief Minister. Manish Sisodia, who is currently the Deputy CM, is seen as a strong contender for the position. Others believed to be in the running are Kejriwal’s wife Sunita, who has been involved in AAP’s decision-making process, and ministers Atishi and Gopal Rai. The decision to not hold onto power until deemed honest by the people is seen as a bold move by Kejriwal, aligning with the party’s ideology. The meeting between Kejriwal and Sisodia is expected to be crucial in deciding the future direction of AAP in Delhi.

This situation is not the first time Kejriwal has been arrested in relation to Delhi’s liquor policy. He was first taken into custody in March by the enforcement directorate, a financial crime-fighting agency. He was granted bail in that case in July but remained in detention due to his arrest by the federal police in another corruption case. Kejriwal and his party have consistently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. The situation is ongoing, and the AAP will continue to fight for their leader’s innocence.

As the Aam Aadmi Party navigates this turbulent period, the upcoming election will be a critical test of its resilience and ability to maintain public support. Kejriwal’s resignation tactic, while bold, is not unprecedented in Indian political history. The upcoming election will see the AAP and its main opponent, the BJP, face off in the absence of a Congress alliance. The party’s focus on providing essential services such as electricity, water, and education to the poorer sections of Delhi has been a cornerstone of its appeal. However, with the elections five months away, the sympathy generated by recent events may dwindle, necessitating a new narrative to capture the public’s imagination.

Kejriwal’s successor, whether it be a woman, a Dalit, or his wife, will only be in power for a short time before the next election. The party does not have any specific caste or identity-based support to rely on, making the selection of the next Chief Minister all the more critical. The AAP’s strategy will need to balance the continuation of its delivery politics, retaining public sympathy, and regaining its moral stature. Kejriwal’s move to resign and seek public validation of his honesty is a calculated risk, one that could either rejuvenate the party’s image or backfire if not managed carefully.