Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s unexpected decision to step down has stirred speculation about who will succeed him as the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi. Kejriwal, who was recently released from Tihar Jail on bail in the excise policy case, announced that party legislators would soon meet to decide on his successor. The announcement comes ahead of Delhi’s assembly elections, scheduled for February next year, though Kejriwal has requested the Election Commission to hold them in November 2024 instead, a move considered unlikely due to logistical challenges.
Kejriwal ruled out former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia from the role, citing that both he and Sisodia will await a clean slate before assuming any leadership positions. The new chief minister, therefore, will hold the position temporarily until the upcoming elections.
Speculation has risen around Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, who gained attention after her husband’s arrest earlier this year. Sunita was active in election campaigns and issued statements on his behalf, but political analysts believe AAP will avoid promoting her to prevent accusations of dynasty politics.
The most prominent contender for the chief minister’s role is Atishi, a minister in Kejriwal’s cabinet since March 2023, holding key portfolios including Finance, Education, and Public Works. Atishi, who represents Kalkaji, is seen as a strong candidate, particularly given her track record and Kejriwal’s efforts to connect with women voters. Political analysts, such as Neerja Chowdhury, have highlighted that a woman leading the Delhi government could resonate with the electorate. Kejriwal even mentioned that he had requested Atishi to unfurl the national flag on his behalf for Independence Day, indicating her prominence within the party.