Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders for feedback on selecting the next Chief Minister. This comes a day after Kejriwal announced his intent to step down. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj shared that Kejriwal met with the party’s political affairs committee (PAC) to gather views on his potential successor.
Kejriwal’s resignation announcement led to a series of discussions. “Kejriwal ji held a one-to-one discussion with all senior leaders and ministers,” said Bharadwaj. He further added that the second session of the meeting, with AAP MLAs, is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:30 am.
Kejriwal made his decision to step down after getting bail in the Delhi liquor policy case, stating that he wants the people of Delhi to decide his fate. Confident in his gamble, Kejriwal hinted at early elections if required. While Delhi’s assembly polls are due in February, Kejriwal has demanded they be held in November alongside Maharashtra elections.
The search for a new leader includes Atishi, a key minister overseeing education and public works. An Oxford alumna, Atishi played a major role in transforming Delhi’s education system. Another candidate is Saurabh Bharadwaj, a three-time MLA who manages vigilance and health.
AAP MP Raghav Chadha, a founding member with a background in chartered accounting, is also in the running. He was instrumental in AAP’s victory in Punjab’s 2022 state elections. Additionally, senior AAP member Kailash Gahlot, overseeing transport, finance, and home affairs, and AAP MP Sanjay Singh, known for his parliamentary speeches, are considered probable candidates.