Arvind Kejriwal: From the countryâs capital to the entire country, there is only one question on peopleâs lips: who will be the next CM of Delhi? When Kejriwal was released on bail, he created a political stir by announcing his resignation within two days.
There are three names in the race for the post of Delhi CM, which are Delhiâs Education Minister Atishi, Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot and Environment Minister Gopal Rai. People are surprised that when Kejriwal did not resign while in jail, then why after getting bail and anyway, assembly elections are to be held in Delhi after just 5 months i.e. in February 2025, which means Delhi will get a new Chief Minister for just five months, but the biggest suspense is on who will be that CM?
Kejriwal has announced his resignation but has not revealed the name of the CM. Kejriwal also made it clear that neither he nor Manish Sisodia will hold any post. On 13 September (Friday), Delhi CM Kejriwal came out of Tihar Jail after which the entire Aam Aadmi Party was immersed in Diwali-like celebrations. This happiness was double because just before Kejriwal, his former education minister and old friend Manish Sisodia had also come out on bail. Amidst this celebration, Kejriwal gave a message to his supporters on 15 September i.e. Sunday and then Kejriwal surprised everyone with the news of announcing his resignation.
Will Atishi become the Chief Minister?
Kejriwalâs strategy is clear that he wants to play a masterstroke by resigning just before the elections and wants to send a message that he is not greedy for power. The discussion is getting heated from Delhi to the political corridors of the country and the first name being taken in this discussion is that of Delhiâs Education and Water Minister Atishi.
Why is Atishiâs claim strong?
â 43-year-old Atishi, MLA from Kalkaji, Delhi, is not only a dynamic leader of the Aam Aadmi Party but is also the female face of the party.
â When Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Kejriwal had gone to Tihar, Atishi along with Saurabh Bhardwaj and Gopal Rai were handling the party and the government.
â At present, Atishi is a strong leader of the Delhi government. Atishi is handling 14 ministries like education, water, PWD, revenue and planning.
Atishiâs name is being discussed more because Kejriwal had recommended Atishiâs name from jail to hoist the national flag in a special program at Chhatrasal Stadium on the occasion of 15 August, but the recommendation was rejected. The top leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party trusts Atishi so much that the house where former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia lives is in Atishiâs name. Atishi has studied from Oxford University and has been a part of Delhiâs education revolution.
What is the obstacle in Atishiâs path?
There are many things that go in favour of Atishi but if we talk about the hurdles in Atishiâs path to becoming the CM, she does not have the experience of running a government. It is obvious that Kejriwal would not like to take any risk and he would hand over the power of Delhi to such a face who is not only trustworthy to him but also works to convey the message from Haryana to Delhi elections. It is not at all easy to leave the CMâs chair and choose a new CM because whenever there has been a transfer of power from Jharkhand to Bihar, the matter has reached to rebellion.
Kailash Gehlot is also a contender
â Kejriwal has to very carefully decide the name for the CM and the next name in this race is Kailash Gehlot. The reason behind Kailash Gehlotâs name being considered as Delhi CM is Haryana elections.
â Kailash Gehlot comes from a Jat family. The Jats have started the farmers and wrestlersâ movement in Haryana, so Kailash Gehlot can prove to be a strong bet for the party.
â Kailash Gehlot has good relations with LG Vivek Saxena and when Arvind Kejriwal recommended Atishiâs name to LG, LG changed Kejriwalâs decision and chose Kailash Gehlot.
â 50-year-old Kailash Gehlot is an MLA from Najafgarh. Kailash Gehlot has been a lawyer in Delhi High Court and Supreme Court. Gehlot, who has 16 years of legal practice, has handled ministries ranging from Law to Transport, IT, Revenue, Planning and Home Ministry in the Delhi Government.
What is the obstacle in the path of Kailash Gehlot?
Many things go in favour of Kailash Gehlot, but the thing that is becoming an obstacle in his path to the CM post is that Kailash Gehlot has been accused of transport scam. Apart from this, ED has also questioned Kejriwal in the liquor scam in which he is involved.
Gopal Rai is also a strong contender
The third name in the race for the CM post is Gopal Rai. Gopal Rai is the name that has been an integral part of the Aam Aadmi Party since it came to power for the first time. Gopal Rai is the name that was the product of the movement against corruption before entering politics and is known for his clean image. The biggest thing that goes in Gopal Raiâs favour is that he has been strongly associated with both the organization and the government.
What is the strong point of Gopal Rai
â One of the most experienced leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party, Gopal Rai has experience of working on the ground and is considered a confidant of Kejriwal
â Gopal Rai is the Environment Minister in the Delhi Government. Gopal Raiâs ability to work and fight on Delhiâs major issues has strengthened his claim
Gopal Rai belongs to Bhumihar caste, so in view of Haryana elections, he may lag behind in the race for the post of CM. Apart from this, his health may become a hindrance in his claim for the post of CM. Aam Aadmi Party is looking for its new CM. On Monday evening, a PAC meeting was also held at Kejriwalâs house and in the midst of all this, BJP has become aggressive and is calling this entire process a political stunt of Kejriwal.
when will kejriwal resign
According to Aam Aadmi Party, Kejriwal will resign on Tuesday (17 September) and it is possible that the new CM will be announced on the same day. A meeting of all the MLAs of Delhi has been called at the CM Camp Office at 11 am on Tuesday. It is clearly written in the agenda of the meeting that this meeting has been called to select the leader of the legislative party. Three names are being discussed but there are many other names which are being mentioned in the race for the post of CM.