Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal surprised many by resigning shortly after his release from jail. Despite persistent calls from the BJP for him to step down, Kejriwal had remained firm, making his resignation unexpected. With upcoming elections in mind, this move appears to be a calculated gamble aimed at rallying public sentiment in his favour. However, the Supreme Court’s stringent bail conditions would not have allowed Kejriwal to function as the Chief Minister.
In his resignation, Kejriwal said, “I will not sit on that chair until the people deliver their verdict… I got justice from the legal court, now I will seek justice from the people’s court. I will only return to the Chief Minister’s seat on the people’s orders.” His statement indicates a strategic attempt to gauge the public mood ahead of the elections.
Now, the focus shifts to who will succeed him as the next Chief Minister of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party leadership will likely seek a strong, widely accepted leader to present the party’s stance on key issues effectively. The political landscape, especially after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reflects growing discontent with the ruling BJP.
Kejriwal’s decision to step down and call for early elections seems to be a strategic move to address corruption allegations, overcome anti-incumbency, and capitalize on the opposition’s momentum against the BJP. While the current term of the Delhi Legislative Assembly is set to end in February 2025, Kejriwal’s push for elections in November 2024 aligns with other state elections, such as those in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, potentially amplifying the electoral impact.
There are a few prominent faces the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could consider for the Chief Ministerial post. One of the leading contenders is Delhi Minister Atishi Marlena. Currently holding key portfolios such as education and the Public Works Department (PWD), Atishi has played a crucial role in shaping the AAP’s widely praised reforms in Delhi’s education system. An Oxford University alumnus and Rhodes scholar, she has been instrumental in overhauling the city’s public schools, making her a significant figure within the party.
Atishi, who represents the Kalkaji constituency, became a minister after the arrest of Manish Sisodia in a corruption case related to Delhi’s now-scraped liquor policy. During the absence of both Kejriwal and Sisodia, Atishi emerged as the party’s voice, articulating AAP’s position on various issues. Her growing prominence was further highlighted on August 15, when Kejriwal chose her to hoist the national flag at the Delhi government’s Independence Day event. Although Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena intervened to prevent this, the gesture underscored the AAP leadership’s trust in Atishi. At 43, she is seen as a dynamic leader who could be the face of the party moving forward.
Saurabh Bharadwaj, a three-time MLA from Greater Kailash, is another key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He currently handles critical portfolios such as vigilance and health in the Kejriwal government. Bharadwaj, who was appointed minister after Manish Sisodia’s arrest in the liquor policy case, previously worked as a software engineer and served as a minister during Kejriwal’s 49-day government. As AAP’s national spokesperson, Bharadwaj played a pivotal role in representing the party when its top leaders were imprisoned over corruption charges.
Raghav Chadha, a prominent young face of the AAP, is a Rajya Sabha MP and a member of the party’s national executive and political affairs committee. A chartered accountant by training, Chadha has been with AAP since its inception and served as an MLA from Rajinder Nagar. He was instrumental in AAP’s decisive victory in Punjab’s 2022 state elections. At 35, Chadha is known for effectively articulating the party’s stance on key issues in Parliament.
Kailash Gahlot, an advocate by profession, is one of AAP’s senior leaders, managing important portfolios like transport, finance, and home affairs. He has been the MLA from Najafgarh since 2015 and has a legal background, having practiced in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court. Gahlot’s extensive experience in law and governance makes him a valuable member of the AAP government.
Sanjay Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP since 2018, is one of the most recognizable faces of AAP, known for his fiery speeches in Parliament. A founding member of the party, Singh holds a diploma in Mining Engineering and serves on AAP’s national executive and political affairs committee. He is frequently seen representing the party in media interactions. Singh was also arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case but, like Kejriwal and Sisodia, has been released on bail.
Kejriwal’s push for Delhi polls in November appears to be a calculated move to harness the opposition’s momentum in other states. By aligning Delhi’s election with the polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, AAP may aim to benefit from the growing anti-BJP sentiment. Kejriwal’s resignation and call for early elections are likely timed to amplify the broader opposition narrative and leverage that energy for Delhi’s 70-seat Assembly election.
While the Delhi Assembly elections are officially scheduled for February 2025, Kejriwal has demanded they be held in November, alongside Maharashtra. This strategy also underscores that top AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, are not immediately in the race for Chief Minister. Both have emphasized that they will only return to power after winning the public’s mandate again.
A key factor behind Kejriwal’s resignation may be the looming threat of Central Rule. During his time in jail, several BJP leaders called for the imposition of President’s rule in Delhi, citing governance failures. With his resignation and a call for earlier elections, Kejriwal seems to be seeking to regain power before any potential intervention from the central government.
