Delhi, September 15 – In a surprising turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that he will step down from his post within two days. Addressing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers, Kejriwal declared that he would only return to the role after receiving a “certificate of honesty” from the people. This unexpected move has sparked speculation about who will take over as Delhi’s Chief Minister.
Kejriwal made it clear that his long-time colleague and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is implicated in the Delhi liquor policy case, will not be his successor. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia have pledged to return to their respective posts only when their integrity is reaffirmed by the public.
Kejriwal’s resignation follows his release from Tihar Jail on bail, granted by the Supreme Court in the liquor policy case. Although he was freed after six months of imprisonment, his bail conditions restrict him from signing official documents or visiting his office. Manish Sisodia, who was granted bail last month, spent 17 months behind bars.
With Kejriwal set to step down, attention has turned to the likely contenders who could succeed him. Here’s a look at the top candidates for Delhi’s Chief Minister post, starting with a surprising frontrunner:
Sunita Kejriwal
Sunita Kejriwal, a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, has emerged as an unexpected yet potential contender for the Chief Minister’s role. With over two decades of experience in the Income Tax Department, Sunita Kejriwal is known for her bureaucratic expertise and her involvement in AAP’s political campaigns, including appearances at press conferences and key party events.
While Sunita Kejriwal is not currently a member of AAP, she could join the party and contest a seat in the Delhi Assembly to become eligible for the Chief Minister’s post. However, her candidacy could face challenges due to the opposition’s likely attacks on AAP for promoting family-driven politics, as well as the logistical difficulty of organizing a by-election in the lead-up to the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
Despite these hurdles, her administrative experience and public presence during her husband’s political journey make her a notable contender.
Atishi
Atishi, one of AAP’s most prominent faces, has played a crucial role in the Delhi government since Kejriwal’s arrest in March. Known for her work in education reform, she has been overseeing 14 key departments, including Education, Finance, and Public Works. Atishi’s strong communication skills and administrative acumen have earned her a reputation as a leading candidate for the Chief Ministerial post.
Her leadership in handling important portfolios and her popular support within the party place her as a top contender, potentially filling the leadership gap left by Kejriwal.
Gopal Rai
Gopal Rai, a seasoned AAP leader with deep roots in Delhi’s political landscape, is another strong contender. With a background in student activism and labor rights, Rai has been a key figure in addressing environmental issues and working-class concerns in the capital. He currently holds important portfolios like Environment, Forests, and Labor.
Known for his strong connection with grassroots communities, Rai’s experience and dedication to public service make him a potential choice to lead the government, especially with his wide appeal among working-class voters.
Kailash Gahlot
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot is another prominent name being considered for the Chief Minister’s post. Gahlot has been instrumental in improving Delhi’s transport infrastructure, overseeing the introduction of electric buses and expanding bus services across the city. As a senior AAP leader, Gahlot has demonstrated strong administrative capabilities and could bring stability to the leadership during this transition.
His experience in managing large-scale projects and his ability to handle the complexities of governance make him a strong candidate to succeed Kejriwal.
As the political landscape in Delhi shifts, these four contenders stand out as potential successors to Arvind Kejriwal. With Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025, the decision over who will lead Delhi is critical for AAP’s future. The next Chief Minister will need to navigate both internal party dynamics and external political challenges, making the race for the top post more intriguing than ever.
