With Arvind Kejriwal announcing his resignation as Delhi Chief Minister within 24 hours, and his return to office only after the people’s verdict on the corruption allegations against him, a key question arises: who will step into the role of Chief Minister for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)? AAP leader Manish Sisodia is set to meet Mr. Kejriwal today, where discussions on selecting the next chief minister may take place, according to a party functionary.
Election Timeline
Delhi is due for assembly elections in February next year, but Mr. Kejriwal has urged for elections to be held earlier, in November, along with the Maharashtra polls. Mr. Sisodia, a former Deputy Chief Minister, has also indicated that he will seek a fresh mandate from the people before returning to the top office, signaling that both leaders are unlikely to be in the running for the position of interim Chief Minister.
Atishi
One of the top contenders is Atishi, a Delhi Minister who oversees significant departments like education and public works. Atishi, a Rhodes scholar and Oxford graduate, has played a vital role in AAP’s reforms in Delhi’s education sector. As an MLA from Kalkaji, she became a minister after Sisodia’s arrest over corruption allegations related to the liquor policy. Atishi has been a key voice for AAP during crises, including when Kejriwal and Sisodia were jailed. Her importance in the party was underscored when Kejriwal selected her to hoist the national flag at Delhi’s Independence Day event, though it was blocked by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor.
Saurabh Bharadwaj
Saurabh Bharadwaj, a three-time MLA from Greater Kailash, holds portfolios like vigilance and health in the Delhi government. A former software engineer, Bharadwaj was also a minister during Kejriwal’s 49-day government and became a minister again after Sisodia’s arrest. He serves as a national spokesperson for AAP and played a key role in defending the party’s stance during legal and political challenges.
Raghav Chadha
Another prominent name is Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP and one of the youngest faces of the AAP. The 35-year-old chartered accountant has been with AAP since its inception and was integral to the party’s success in the 2022 Punjab elections. He previously served as MLA from Rajinder Nagar and has become a leading figure representing AAP’s positions in Parliament.
Kailash Gahlot
Kailash Gahlot, a senior member of the Delhi government, is another potential candidate. A lawyer by profession, Gahlot holds key portfolios including transport, finance, and home affairs. He has represented the Najafgarh constituency since 2015 and has experience practicing in both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.
Sanjay Singh
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, one of AAP’s founder members, is also in the mix. Known for his fiery speeches in Parliament, Singh holds a diploma in Mining Engineering and has been a crucial voice in AAP’s media strategy. He was arrested in connection to the Delhi liquor policy case but is currently out on bail. Singh’s long-standing role within the party makes him a notable candidate for the top job.
As discussions unfold, these five key leaders stand as possible candidates to take over as the interim Chief Minister of Delhi, until fresh elections are held.