With Arvind Kejriwal announcing his resignation as Delhi Chief Minister within the next 24 hours, the big question now is who from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will step into the role. Kejriwal has stated he will return to office only after the people’s verdict on the corruption allegations against him, meaning the party must select a new leader to fill the position temporarily until the next election.
Although assembly elections in Delhi are scheduled for February next year, Kejriwal has urged that they be held in November alongside the Maharashtra polls. Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister, has also announced that he will return to the top office only after a fresh mandate from the public, effectively ruling out the two top leaders from the current race for Chief Minister.
Despite the brief duration of this Chief Ministerial term, the AAP leadership is likely to choose someone who can effectively communicate the party’s stance on key issues and maintain strong support within the party ranks. Here are the leading contenders:
Atishi
A Delhi Minister overseeing key portfolios like education and PWD, Atishi is a strong contender. An Oxford graduate and Rhodes scholar, she has played a significant role in AAP’s efforts to reform the education system in Delhi’s schools. Atishi became a minister after Manish Sisodia’s arrest in a corruption case. As a prominent face in the party, she has represented AAP on various occasions, including when both Kejriwal and Sisodia were jailed. Her popularity within the party has only grown, making her a possible choice for the role.
Saurabh Bharadwaj
A three-time MLA from Greater Kailash, Saurabh Bharadwaj is another key name in the race. He currently holds important portfolios such as vigilance and health. Bharadwaj, who has a background in software engineering, was a minister during Kejriwal’s 49-day government and has been a vocal spokesperson for the party, especially during challenging times when senior leaders were behind bars.
Raghav Chadha
Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP and an integral part of AAP’s political affairs committee, is another prominent contender. Known for his articulate speeches and contributions to AAP’s success, especially during the Punjab state polls, Chadha represents the younger generation of leaders in the party. His experience in the national executive and ability to handle key issues in Parliament could make him a suitable choice for the interim Chief Minister role.
The AAP is likely to make its decision soon, but for now, the party remains tight-lipped on who will take over from Kejriwal during this interim period.
