After being released on bail from jail, CM Kejriwal reached the party office in Delhi on Sunday. During his address, he announced his resignation. He said, 'I will resign in two days.' This statement has stirred up Delhi's politics, prompting the question: Who will now sit on the CM chair?
What Did CM Kejriwal Say?
After meeting party leaders and workers, CM Kejriwal addressed them. During this time, he made a big announcement saying, 'I will resign from the CM post in two days.' He added, 'I will resign in two days and won't sit in the CM's chair until the public decides whether Kejriwal is honest.' He also mentioned that Manish Sisodia would not take any position until the public decides.
Who After Kejriwal and Sisodia?
Following this huge announcement, speculation is rife regarding who will be chosen as the CM when the Aam Aadmi Party legislators meet in two days. Four names have come to the fore, with Atishi being the strongest contender. Others include CM Kejriwal's wife Sunita, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Gopal Rai.
Atishi, Delhi Government Minister:
If CM Kejriwal resigns, Atishi is the strongest contender for the position. Trusted by Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi handles several key ministries. She also manages the PWD, Revenue, Planning, and Finance departments after taking over the Education and Water Ministries following the resignation of the former Deputy CM Sisodia.
Source: aajtak
Why Is Atishi's Name Being Discussed More?
Atishi's name is being discussed more because, on the occasion of Independence Day, CM Kejriwal, from jail, recommended her name to hoist the national flag at the special program at Chhatrasal Stadium by writing a letter to the LG, although this recommendation was rejected. The top leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party trusts Atishi so much that the residence of former Deputy CM Sisodia is listed under her name. If Atishi becomes CM, she could be the third female CM of Delhi after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj.
What Did Atishi Say About the Speculation of Being Made CM?
On being questioned about becoming CM, Atishi said in an interview with Aaj Tak, 'Becoming CM is not important, the development of Delhi is important.' Commenting on CM Kejriwal’s resignation, she said, 'The Aam Aadmi Party has never indulged in corruption and never will. The court has granted bail to CM Kejriwal, but now the public must decide if their leader is honest or not.'
Sunita Kejriwal, CM Kejriwal’s Wife:
After Atishi, the second most significant name is Sunita Kejriwal, CM Kejriwal’s wife. Although Sunita holds no legislative position or ministry, it might be challenging to make her CM. However, when CM Kejriwal was in jail, Sunita came out of the house and interacted with the people of Delhi, addressing several rallies. If Sunita is made CM, Kejriwal may face accusations of nepotism, which he would want to avoid, especially during election time as it may impact the elections.
Kailash Gahlot, Transport and Environment Minister:
Another name in the CM race is Kailash Gahlot, Delhi's Transport and Environment Minister, who represents the Najafgarh Assembly Seat. Gahlot is a low-profile leader and seldom in the limelight. He currently oversees the departments of Transport, Administrative Reforms, Revenue, Law, Justice and Legislative Affairs, Women and Child Development, and Information and Technology. He first won the Delhi Assembly elections from the Najafgarh constituency in February 2015. Known for his loyalty to the party, Kejriwal, and Sisodia, it is believed that if the Aam Aadmi Party makes Gahlot the CM, it could benefit the party in the Haryana elections due to his Jat background.
Saurabh Bhardwaj, Delhi's Urban Development Minister:
The next name in the CM race is Saurabh Bhardwaj. Since many of the party leaders were jailed one by one, along with Atishi, he has been prominently managing the party and always been at the forefront. Being young, Bhardwaj also handles the key departments of Vigilance, Health, Urban Development, and Water in the Delhi Government, making his claim for the CM position stronger.
What Did Saurabh Bhardwaj Say About Kejriwal’s Resignation?
On the question of Kejriwal’s resignation and appointing a new CM, Saurabh Bhardwaj said, 'India has a CM who kicked the chair after getting bail. The court granted me bail, and I won’t sit on this chair until I pass the trial in the people's court.' He added, 'That's why everyone is eyeing this chair, not because someone will sit on it for 10 days but because during the upcoming elections, this person will go among the people and say, “If I am guilty, don’t vote for me.”'
Gopal Rai, Senior AAP Leader:
The last name in the CM race is Gopal Rai. Based on seniority, his claim is significant, although his health has not been supportive. Rai has often emerged as a troubleshooter for the party, serving as the Environment Minister of Delhi.
