Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ignited a political storm by announcing his plan to resign and seek early polls in the state.
Kejriwal has just spent more than five months in jail over a corruption case and was granted bail by India’s top court on 14 September.
He says he won’t return to the CM’s chair until the public grants him a “certificate of honesty”.
Political observers say the move is aimed at regaining political traction ahead of Delhi’s forthcoming Assembly Polls. But the central ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has labeled the move a “PR stunt”. Even the main opposition Congress party is keeping its distance, saying they are allies with Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) only at the central and not the State level.
PressXpress attempts to reach out to AAP spokesperson Jasmine Shah were met with no response.
Meanwhile Delhi BJP MP Parveen Khandelwal told PressXpress that Kejriwal’s move is a “self-goal”, which will “backfire”.
“I view this move as a mere political stunt or damage control,” Khandelwal told PressXpress in an exclusive conversation. “It is an attempt to manipulate public opinion ahead of the elections, rather than a genuine step toward clean governance.”
What Happens Next?
Following Kejriwal’s announcement, the AAP is expected to convene a meeting of its legislators on 17 September, to elect a new chief minister. Kejriwal has made it clear that his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, will not be returning to the CM’s office. Sisodia, who is also embroiled in the same excise policy case, remains an important figure in the party but is unlikely to take on a leadership role amidst ongoing legal challenges.
The Delhi Assembly will not be dissolved, and the new chief minister is expected to take the oath alongside a restructured cabinet.
Kejriwal has also proposed advancing the Delhi Assembly elections, originally scheduled for February, to November to coincide with Maharashtra’s state elections. This, if accepted, would shorten the term of the new CM, making the choice of a caretaker or interim chief minister even more strategic.
But Khandelwal believes this move will backfire as “people are tired of this cycle of resignation and re-entry into politics.” Kejriwal resigned before in 2014 under different circumstances. “It is a repetitive tactic, the move will backfire… With growing political awareness, the public is more skeptical of these moves and situation demands accountability and answers rather than gestures like resignation,” Khandelwal said.
Possible Successors
Speculations are rife across political and media circles over who will replace Kejriwal. Several names are doing the rounds.
Speaking to PressXpress, Dr Suvrokamal Dutta, an International Conservative Political Economic and Foreign Policy Expert, said that “the top choice is likely to be Atishi. Gopal Rai could be another top contender.” Both are prominent AAP leaders.
Many experts have also named Kailash Gahlot as a potential candidate. Here is a look at the top three frontrunners.
- Atishi: A prominent AAP leader who holds key portfolios like education and women’s development. She is seen as a strong contender due to her visibility and leadership within the party.
2. Gopal Rai: A senior AAP leader with strong ties to Delhi’s working class, his experience in tackling issues like pollution makes him a viable candidate.
3. Kailash Gahlot: The transport minister who manages critical portfolios, including home and revenue, is another frontrunner.
While names such as Sunita Kejriwal, the CM’s wife, have been floated, it’s more likely that an MLA will be selected for the post. The party may also consider appointing a CM from the minority or Dalit community as a strategic move ahead of elections.
What Lies Ahead?
The next few days will be crucial for AAP as it navigates the transition of power. The selection of a new chief minister is not just about managing Delhi’s day-to-day affairs; it’s a decision that could shape the party’s future ahead of the upcoming Assembly Polls.
Whoever steps into the role will face the challenge of maintaining the party’s governance model while managing the political complexities of an election year.
Kejriwal’s departure, whether temporary or permanent, has the potential to alter Delhi’s political landscape.
But “people are increasingly focused on results, governance, and transparency”, according to Khandelwal. “In the current political environment, this move is likely going to backfire.”
Meanwhile, while AAP gears up for new leadership, the party will also need to ensure that its choice for CM does not lead to internal power struggles, similar to what was seen in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand between Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his deputy Champai Soren.
The decision must balance governance, electoral strategy, and internal harmony to maintain its stronghold in Delhi. In the coming days, all eyes will be on AAP as it decides who will lead Delhi next, marking a significant turning point for both the party and the city.
