India
If Arvind Kejriwal steps down as Delhi CM, who could take over? Here are the top candidates | India News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday surprised everyone when he announced his decision to step down from his top post within 48 hours, leading to widespread speculation over who could fill his shoes. The surprise announcement came just days after he was released on bail in connection with the excise policy case.
Kejriwal’s resignation appears strategic, given his ongoing legal battle. Yet he has set the stage for a dramatic return by promising not to return to the prime minister’s post until the people declare him “honest” in the upcoming elections.
Several well-known names are being considered as his potential replacement: his wife, Sunita Kejriwaland senior ministers like Atishi and Gopal Rai. However, Kejriwal’s refusal to nominate a successor has only fueled more speculation, leaving many wondering who will take charge MONKEY as Delhi heads into a crucial election season.
With Kejriwal proposing to step aside temporarily, there has been widespread buzz around the names of his potential successors. One name stands out, one that played a crucial role in keeping AAP afloat after the arrest of Delhi CM Sunita Kejriwal.
Sunita, a former Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer, is no stranger to state politics. She led the party’s campaign efforts and helped mobilise AAP’s base in Delhi, Gujarat and Haryana. Her experience in government and proximity to Kejriwal give her a unique advantage.
Among the AAP ranks, another contender to replace Kejriwal is Minister Atishi. Atishi became Delhi’s education minister after Sisodia’s arrest and her track record in AAP makes her a top candidate. She has handled some of the government’s most critical portfolios – education, finance, PWD – and has been a key spokesperson for the party. Her understanding of governance and her closeness to Kejriwal could make her a frontrunner in the race.
Gopal Rai, a seasoned leader with a long stint in the party, is seen as another viable option. Known for his experience and loyalty to AAP since its inception, Rai’s appointment could signal a steady hand at the helm, especially as Delhi braces for a close election battle.
Kailash Gahlot, another trusted minister, is also in talks, with key portfolios like transport and revenue. However, with the elections just a few months away, the party could lean towards someone who can reach a wider demographic. Saurabh Bharjwaj, who holds key positions in the Delhi government, is also seen as a contender for the top post in the Delhi government.
The AAP may even consider an unconventional candidate, with talks of a Dalit or Muslim legislator taking the reins. This could help the party consolidate votes in constituencies where minority groups have significant influence, a key factor in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
Addressing party workers at the AAP headquarters, Kejriwal said a decision on his replacement would be taken soon in consultation with party representatives.
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal, subject to several conditions. The most notable of these is a restriction that prohibits him from entering the Prime Minister’s office or signing any official document “unless absolutely necessary to obtain the sanction of the Lieutenant Governor.” He has also been barred from entering the Delhi Secretariat.
After announcing his decision, Kejriwal called for early elections in the capital. He said, “The elections should be held in February. I demand that the elections be held in November with the elections in Maharashtra. Until the elections are held, someone else from the party will be the chief minister.”
The Delhi state assembly elections are scheduled for February 2024, just four months away. Kejriwal has indicated that he will not return until he secures the trust and mandate of the people through the electoral process.
Kejriwal’s resignation appears strategic, given his ongoing legal battle. Yet he has set the stage for a dramatic return by promising not to return to the prime minister’s post until the people declare him “honest” in the upcoming elections.
Several well-known names are being considered as his potential replacement: his wife, Sunita Kejriwaland senior ministers like Atishi and Gopal Rai. However, Kejriwal’s refusal to nominate a successor has only fueled more speculation, leaving many wondering who will take charge MONKEY as Delhi heads into a crucial election season.
Women Sunita and Atishi are among the top candidates
With Kejriwal proposing to step aside temporarily, there has been widespread buzz around the names of his potential successors. One name stands out, one that played a crucial role in keeping AAP afloat after the arrest of Delhi CM Sunita Kejriwal.
Sunita, a former Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer, is no stranger to state politics. She led the party’s campaign efforts and helped mobilise AAP’s base in Delhi, Gujarat and Haryana. Her experience in government and proximity to Kejriwal give her a unique advantage.
Among the AAP ranks, another contender to replace Kejriwal is Minister Atishi. Atishi became Delhi’s education minister after Sisodia’s arrest and her track record in AAP makes her a top candidate. She has handled some of the government’s most critical portfolios – education, finance, PWD – and has been a key spokesperson for the party. Her understanding of governance and her closeness to Kejriwal could make her a frontrunner in the race.
Gopal Rai, a seasoned leader with a long stint in the party, is seen as another viable option. Known for his experience and loyalty to AAP since its inception, Rai’s appointment could signal a steady hand at the helm, especially as Delhi braces for a close election battle.
Kailash Gahlot, another trusted minister, is also in talks, with key portfolios like transport and revenue. However, with the elections just a few months away, the party could lean towards someone who can reach a wider demographic. Saurabh Bharjwaj, who holds key positions in the Delhi government, is also seen as a contender for the top post in the Delhi government.
The AAP may even consider an unconventional candidate, with talks of a Dalit or Muslim legislator taking the reins. This could help the party consolidate votes in constituencies where minority groups have significant influence, a key factor in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
Addressing party workers at the AAP headquarters, Kejriwal said a decision on his replacement would be taken soon in consultation with party representatives.
Why Kejriwal’s decision to resign is not so surprising
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal, subject to several conditions. The most notable of these is a restriction that prohibits him from entering the Prime Minister’s office or signing any official document “unless absolutely necessary to obtain the sanction of the Lieutenant Governor.” He has also been barred from entering the Delhi Secretariat.
After announcing his decision, Kejriwal called for early elections in the capital. He said, “The elections should be held in February. I demand that the elections be held in November with the elections in Maharashtra. Until the elections are held, someone else from the party will be the chief minister.”
The Delhi state assembly elections are scheduled for February 2024, just four months away. Kejriwal has indicated that he will not return until he secures the trust and mandate of the people through the electoral process.
