The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to announce the name of Delhi’s new Chief Minister, who will succeed Arvind Kejriwal, today. The announcement is expected at 12 PM, following a meeting of AAP MLAs, the party stated.
Arvind Kejriwal is likely to meet Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at 4:30 PM to formally submit his resignation. On Sunday, Kejriwal announced his decision to step down in two days, stating that he would only return as Chief Minister when given a “certificate of honesty” by the people.
Delhi Health Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj emphasized that the Chief Minister’s position belongs to Arvind Kejriwal, noting that the people of Delhi elected him, and the CM’s chair will remain his. “The individual occupying this seat until the next election is only a temporary placeholder, much like Bharat with Ram’s sandals symbolizing Ram’s rightful place,” Bharadwaj said.
Delhi CM Post: Kailash Gahlot, Atishi, and Other Contenders
Probable candidates for the Delhi Chief Minister position include Kailash Gahlot and Atishi. Other names being considered are Sunita Kejriwal, a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, and Gopal Rai, Delhi’s Minister for Environment, Forest, Wildlife, Development, and General Administration.
Here’s what works in their favor:
Kailash Gahlot
As one of the most senior AAP leaders, Kailash Gahlot is a strong contender to succeed Arvind Kejriwal. He is well-regarded for his role as Delhi’s Transport Minister, where he made significant improvements to the city’s transport infrastructure.
His achievements include expanding bus services, introducing electric buses, and implementing road safety measures. Gahlot’s experience in managing large-scale projects and navigating bureaucratic challenges demonstrates his potential for effective governance.
Atishi
Atishi has been one of the party’s most prominent leaders, especially after Kejriwal’s arrest in the Delhi liquor case. Currently overseeing 14 departments—the most of any Cabinet minister—Atishi’s extensive responsibilities and visibility strengthen her candidacy for the CM position.
She oversees several key ministries, including Water, Education, Finance, Planning, PWD, Power, and Public Relations. Additionally, she has served as the chairperson of the Delhi Assembly’s standing committee on education.
Sunita Kejriwal
Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Arvind Kejriwal, played a key role in the party’s Lok Sabha election campaigns in Delhi, Haryana, and Gujarat. A former IRS officer, she often delivered her husband’s messages to the public while he was in prison.
She has also been active in INDIA bloc rallies in Delhi and Ranchi, where she criticized the BJP for targeting her husband. Since Sunita is not currently a member of AAP, she would need to join the party, contest a seat, and be elected as an MLA within three months if appointed to the top position.
Gopal Rai
Gopal Rai, with his background in student activism and Delhi politics, is well-connected to the city’s working-class communities. His focus on labor rights and environmental issues as Delhi’s Minister of Environment, Forest, Wildlife, Development, and General Administration has earned him wide support among diverse voter groups.
