Who Will Replace Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister? Key Contenders in Focus

Who Will Replace Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister? Key Contenders in Focus

Arvind Kejriwal’s declaration that he will resign as Delhi’s chief minister within 24 hours and that he won’t return until the people have decided how to proceed with the corruption allegations against him has taken front stage.

AAP). The party’s leader, Manish Sisodia, met with Mr. Kejriwal at his house today. but he chose not to speak to the media. The two most likely talked about possible contenders to fill the position of acting chief minister.

The Delhi assembly polls are set for February of next year, so the term may not be long. Nevertheless, the AAP is eager to choose a leader who can successfully represent the party and its main ideas in the next months..

Kejriwal has requested the polls be held earlier in November alongside the Maharashtra elections. Both Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Sisodia have expressed their intent to return to office only after re-election, indicating they are not contenders for the interim CM role.

Here are the key candidates being considered for the position:

Atishi

The current Minister of Education and PWD for Delhi, Atishi, is a formidable opponent. She is a Rhodes Scholar and Oxford University alumna who has played a key role in the AAP’s education reforms in Delhi. Representing the Kalkaji constituency, the 43-year-old became a minister after Manish Sisodia’s arrest over the liquor policy scandal. Atishi’s leadership was evident when she voiced the party’s stance during Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Sisodia’s arrests. Her recent selection to hoist the tricolour on Independence Day by Mr. Kejriwal underscores the party’s trust in her.

Saurabh Bharadwaj

Former Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj has served three terms and is currently in charge of Delhi’s health and vigilance ministries. Bharadwaj, a former software engineer, was a minister in Kejriwal’s 49-day cabinet. Following his arrest, Sisodia rose in the party’s ranks and started to speak for it in public and in the media, acting as the party’s spokesperson on significant issues.

Raghav Chadha

Another strong candidate is Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP and an important part of the AAP national executive. Chadha, who was trained as a chartered accountant, joined the AAP at its founding and had held the position of MLA before. He is regarded as one of the youthful, vibrant leaders of the AAP, and he was instrumental in the party’s victory in the Punjab election in 2022.

Kailash Gahlot

Senior AAP leader Kailash Gahlot holds key ministries, including finance, home affairs, and transport. By profession, Gahlot is a lawyer, and he has represented Delhi’s Najafgarh seat since 2015. Given his legal expertise and political experience, he is a strong fit for the temporary role.

Sanjay Singh

Sanjay Singh, a well-known Rajya Sabha MP who is well-known for his powerful speeches, is another potential candidate. Singh, who has been with the party from its inception and holds a diploma in mining engineering, frequently makes public appearances to support the AAP’s stance. Despite being connected to the Delhi liquor policy controversy that led to his incarceration, Singh continues to play a significant role in the party.

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The AAP leadership’s choice of an acting chief minister will be a reflection of the party’s approach to preserving momentum and credibility in the run-up to the Delhi elections.