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As Arvind Kejriwal prepares to resign from his position as Delhi Chief Minister after 177 days in jail on charges related to the Delhi Excise Policy, speculation is rife regarding his successor. Kejriwal made the announcement during a party meeting, stating he would step down in two days and would only reclaim the position if the public certifies his honesty in the upcoming elections.
As Arvind Kejriwal prepares to resign from his position as Delhi Chief Minister after 177 days in jail on charges related to the Delhi Excise Policy, speculation is rife regarding his successor. Kejriwal made the announcement during a party meeting, stating he would step down in two days and would only reclaim the position if the public certifies his honesty in the upcoming elections.
One of the central questions arising from Kejriwal’s resignation is whether he will hand over the Chief Minister’s position to a family member. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, has been a topic of discussion since the Lok Sabha elections, where her name surfaced as a potential candidate for the CM role. However, political analysts suggest that appointing a family member could lead to accusations of nepotism, particularly in light of the upcoming assembly elections.Historically, regional parties in India have often passed leadership roles to family members during times of political turmoil. For instance, Lalu Prasad Yadav transferred power to his wife, Rabri Devi, after his incarceration in the fodder scam. Similarly, Mulayam Singh Yadav handed over leadership to his son, Akhilesh Yadav, in Uttar Pradesh. Such precedents raise questions about whether Kejriwal will follow suit or choose a different path to avoid backlash.
If Kejriwal opts not to appoint his wife, several names are being considered as potential successors. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was recently released on bail, is seen as a strong contender. His experience and previous role in the administration make him a viable candidate for either the Chief Minister’s chair or a return to his former position.Cabinet Minister Atishi is also viewed as a leading candidate, trusted by both Kejriwal and Sisodia. Other names circulating within the party include ministers Kailash Gehlot, Gopal Rai, and Imran Khan. The party may also consider Sanjay Singh, who is currently on bail, and Raghav Chadha, who could be introduced into Delhi politics as a fresh face.In light of the upcoming elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) may also look to bolster its appeal among the Dalit vote bank by considering leaders like Kuldeep Kumar and Girish Soni. However, Rakhi Birla’s controversial reputation may exclude her from consideration.
The BJP has criticized Kejriwal’s resignation as a mere public relations stunt, questioning why he did not resign earlier when faced with legal challenges. BJP leaders argue that his sudden decision to step down is an attempt to salvage his image and shift blame ahead of the elections.Senior Congress leader Sandeep Dixit has also weighed in, stating that Kejriwal should have resigned long ago, especially given his legal troubles. He described the timing of the resignation as questionable, suggesting it lacks sincerity.
As the political landscape in Delhi shifts, the AAP must navigate the complexities of public perception and party dynamics. With assembly elections anticipated in February-March next year, the choice of Kejriwal’s successor will significantly impact the party’s strategy and voter sentiment. The upcoming days will be crucial as AAP leaders convene to determine the next steps in this evolving political scenario.
