New Delhi: Just after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s announcement that he would resign within two days, speculation has begun about who will succeed him. Three names are primarily being discussed within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Party sources indicate that current ministers Atishi, Gopal Rai, and Kailash Gahlot are being considered for the position of Chief Minister. Earlier, there were rumors that former Deputy Chief Minister and AAP’s second-in-command Manish Sisodia would take on the role, but Kejriwal dismissed this possibility. Sisodia himself recently clarified that he would not take any position until he receives a clean chit from the public.
This led to intensified discussions around the three ministers and senior party leaders currently under consideration.
Who Will Be the Next Chief Minister?
At present, Atishi handles the most portfolios in the Delhi Cabinet, including Education, Finance, Revenue, and Law. She was also nominated by the Chief Minister to hoist the national flag on Independence Day, which has increased speculation about her potential candidacy. Kailash Gahlot, a senior party member and popular figure, is also seen as a strong contender due to his administrative experience handling key portfolios like Home and Transport. Gopal Rai’s popularity among the public and his management of the Environment Department are being highlighted as favorable factors for his candidacy.
“Atishi has a good rapport with officials and knows how to get work done. Similarly, Gahlot is active in the party’s organizational activities and plays a key role in resolving differences among officials and ensuring administrative coordination,” AAP sources told the Indian Express.
End to Administrative Stalemate
Officials believe that the appointment of a new Chief Minister will put an end to the administrative deadlock that has persisted for months. Since Kejriwal’s imprisonment, several crucial files have remained pending, and important positions in various departments remain vacant. It has been almost a year since the last meeting of the National Capital Civil Services Authority, which oversees the appointment, transfers, and grievances of officials.
The last meeting of the committee, chaired by the Chief Minister and including the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary, was held in September of last year. Officials are hopeful that a new Chief Minister will resolve these issues.
BJP Labels Kejriwal’s Resignation as a PR Stunt
The BJP has criticized Kejriwal’s resignation, calling it a PR stunt. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari stated that Kejriwal has realized that the people of Delhi no longer view him as an honest leader.
“This is Arvind Kejriwal’s PR stunt. He has understood that the people of Delhi no longer see him as an honest leader but rather as corrupt. Today, Aam Aadmi Party is known across the country as a party of corruption,” Bhandari remarked.
