Who will be Delhi's next CM after Kejriwal's resignation?
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his decision to resign from his position in two days. This announcement comes after his recent release on bail in the excise policy corruption case. Kejriwal stated that he would not resume his role until he receives a "certificate of honesty" from the public. He will convene a meeting with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs to select a successor in the coming two-three days. Here are the likely successors:
Atishi: A potential successor with a strong educational background
Atishi, a first-time MLA elected to the Delhi assembly in 2020, is among the potential successors. She has worked closely with Manish Sisodia on improving Delhi's schools and education system. Atishi holds a Masters degree in history from Oxford and is currently serving as minister for Education, Higher Education, TTE, Finance, Planning, PWD, Water Power Services Vigilance Public Relations.
Saurabh Bhardwaj: A trusted AAP member with ministerial experience
Saurabh Bhardwaj, the current health minister of Delhi, is another potential candidate for the chief minister's position. He was first elected to the Delhi Assembly during Kejriwal's brief 49-day government, where he held key ministries including food and supply, transport, environment and general administration. In the 2015 Assembly elections, the AAP once again placed its trust in Bhardwaj for the Greater Kailash seat.
Gopal Rai: A seasoned minister with a history of activism
Gopal Rai, the current Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and wildlife, Development and General Administration Department, is also in the running for the chief minister's position. Rai holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology from Lucknow University and has been part of numerous campaigns against crime and corruption on college campuses as a student leader. His ministry is credited with the decision to raise minimum wages in Delhi.
Kejriwal's statement on his resignation and successor
Kejriwal has ruled out Sisodia as his successor, quoting him as saying that he would only take up the position if the public says he is honest. "I will not sit on the chair of Deputy Chief Minister-Education Minister right now. I have also decided that I will go to the public court along with Arvind Kejriwal and ask whether they consider me honest or not," Sisodia said.
