New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced his decision to resign from the post of Delhi Chief Minister within the next two days, saying he will only return to the post after getting a “certificate of honesty” from the people.
Kejriwal made this announcement while addressing the party workers in Delhi, two days after he walked out of Tihar jail. On Friday, the Supreme Court had granted Kejriwal bail in the excise policy case.
"Two days later, I will resign as Chief Minister. I will not sit on that chair till the people announce their verdict. Elections in Delhi are months away. I got justice from the legal court, now I will get justice from the people's court. I will sit on the Chief Minister's chair only after the order of the people," Kejriwal said.
AAP's Search for Successor
To ensure a smooth transition, Kejriwal is set to meet with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs in the coming days to decide on his successor. Though the AAP Convener has ought early elections in Delhi, the party is looking at probable candidates to be the stop-gap Chief Minister till the assembly election results are declared.
If Not Kejriwal, Then Who?
Atishi
Atishi's stature in the party has grown in recent times. When senior leaders like Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal were in jail in a corruption case, Atishi became the face of the party and took on the mantle of leadership during the Lok Sabha elections.
Elected to the Delhi Assembly in 2020, she has worked closely with former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, especially in the field of education. Holding a Master's degree from Oxford and being a Rhodes Scholar, she is currently responsible for multiple portfolios, including education, finance, and public works.
Atishi entered politics through the India Against Corruption movement and has also served as chairperson of the Delhi Assembly’s standing committee on education in the past.
Saurabh Bhardwaj
The current health minister of Delhi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, is another strong contender for the Chief Ministerial post. A trusted AAP leader since the party's inception, Bhardwaj has previously held important portfolios such as food supply, transport, and environment.
With a background in software engineering and private sector experience, Bhardwaj has been part of AAP’s leadership for nearly a decade. He is known for his efficiency in managing critical ministries and won his constituency, Greater Kailash, multiple times.
Gopal Rai
Gopal Rai, Delhi's Cabinet Minister for Environment and General Administration, is also in the running. Rai holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology. His ministry is credited with raising the minimum wage in the city, among other achievements.
Rai, a former student leader, suffered injuries during a campaign in Lucknow, leaving him partially paralysed. However, he remains an influential figure within the AAP and Delhi government.
Sunita Kejriwal
Sunita Kejriwal emerged as a key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party's political strategy, especially during Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in the excise policy case. She actively campaigned during the Lok Sabha polls, gaining public attention as she launched the "Kejriwal Ki Guarantee" campaign.
She made her political debut at the INDIA Alliance event and her proactive involvement in party activities propelled her among the top leaders of the party. It would be interesting to see if Kejriwal does a Lalu Yadav, the former CM of Bihar, who handed over the reins to his wife Rabri Devi when he was jailed in the 90s.
However, senior leader Manish Sisodia hinted that Sunita Kejriwal's role in the party might not be necessary once Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is released from jail. He praised her for stepping up, saying, "She played that role like a fighter's wife, and as I saw all the workers and people in jail, I felt very proud." Sisodia further added, "I think once the chief minister comes out, that role might no longer be needed. Until then, she has played and will continue to play a very important role."
Early Polls In Delhi
Kejriwal’s sudden announcement has led to speculation regarding the possibility of early elections in Delhi. Kejriwal has also requested early elections in Delhi, however, it's for the Election Commission to decide. As of now, the assembly elections in Delhi are slated for the next year in February.