Top contenders who can succeed Arvind Kejriwal as CM of Delhi

Speaking to AAP party workers on Sunday, Arvind Kejriwal made the surprising announcement that he intends to resign as Delhi CM within two days. "I will not sit on that chair until the people give their verdict," Kejriwal said.

Mayank Kasyap Last Updated : 15 September 2024, 08:06 PM IST

Sunita Kejriwal, Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kailash Gehlot (ANI)

New Delhi: As Arvind Kejriwal prepares to step down from his role as Delhi Chief Minister, the burning question is: Who will take over as the next leader of the national capital? Former deputy CM Manish Sisodia has already taken himself out of the running, stating that he would only consider the role if the people affirm their trust in his integrity.

Kejriwal's decision to step down

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Speaking to AAP party workers on Sunday, Arvind Kejriwal made the surprising announcement that he intends to resign as Delhi CM within two days. "I will not sit on that chair until the people give their verdict," Kejriwal said, referencing the upcoming Delhi elections. While the elections are still months away, Kejriwal stressed his desire to take his case directly to the people. This decision follows the Supreme Court granting him bail in a case related to the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy.

Kejriwal further explained that a party member would take over as CM after his resignation. He also urged for Delhi's elections, originally scheduled for February 2025, to be held in November, coinciding with the Maharashtra state polls.

Top contenders for Delhi’s next chief minister

With Kejriwal’s imminent resignation, discussions are already underway regarding who could succeed him. According to an NDTV report, Kejriwal informed top AAP leaders of his decision to step down in a meeting, with further strategy discussions taking place at Manish Sisodia’s residence.

Here are the key contenders for the role of Delhi CM:

Atishi: Currently managing five significant portfolios, including Women and Child Development, Education, and Power, Atishi has been instrumental in shaping the capital’s education reforms. Her administrative experience and influence make her a strong candidate.
Kailash Gahlot: Overseeing eight departments, including Law, Finance, and Transport, Gahlot’s wide-ranging responsibilities and expertise could position him as a front-runner in the leadership race.
Saurabh Bharadwaj: Handling seven departments, including Health and Urban Development, Bharadwaj is another key figure within AAP who could take on the CM role, given his strong track record in managing essential public services.
Gopal Rai: As the minister for Development, Environment, and General Administration, Rai has played a pivotal role in shaping Delhi’s environmental policies, making him a possible candidate for the CM post.
Imran Hussain: Currently overseeing the Food and Supply and Election departments, Hussain is another name being discussed as a potential leader, though he remains a lesser-known figure compared to the others.

Could Sunita Kejriwal be the next CM?

One unexpected name emerging in this race is Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Arvind Kejriwal. While speculation about her entering politics first surfaced during Kejriwal’s arrest, it didn’t materialize then. However, with just five months until the Delhi elections, there’s no requirement for her to be an elected MLA before taking office. If Sunita Kejriwal steps in, it could be a bold move by the party, though the decision is likely to face scrutiny from both AAP members and opposition leaders.

BJP's take on Kejriwal's resignation

The opposition BJP has been quick to respond to Kejriwal's announcement. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has alleged that Kejriwal’s decision to step down stems from a Supreme Court order that bars him from signing files or acting as CM. Sirsa claimed, “He is compelled to resign due to the SC’s ruling.” The BJP has also speculated that Kejriwal is using the 48-hour period to persuade party MLAs to back his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, as the next chief minister.

As Arvind Kejriwal prepares to step aside, AAP must now decide who will lead Delhi in the coming months. With a range of seasoned leaders within the party, the next CM could come from their ranks. However, the possibility of Sunita Kejriwal entering the political fray adds an element of unpredictability to the race.

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Top contenders who can succeed Arvind Kejriwal as CM of Delhi