Arvind Kejriwal’s sudden resignation as Chief Minister over the Delhi political scenario is all set to usher in a change within the city. Rumors that surfaced pertaining to who will be the next one in charge have triggered a buzz. Amid allegations of corruption and politics and several other issues raised against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during their period, let us peek into the key facts of this transition.
Resignation of Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister since 2015, Arvind Kejriwal, resigned on 17 September 2024 following the arrest in the Delhi excise policy case that had him behind bars for a brief time. But no sooner was he out of jail on bail when allegations and scams continued to come up against his government. Kejriwal asserted that he will return to office when the people of Delhi issue him and his party a “certificate of honesty,” a term coined by Kejriwal himself as a ticket to a corruption-free government. His resignation is a direct result of these litigations, and Kejriwal has also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using false allegations to bring down his government.
The resignation would send waves within the AAP and has struck a telling chord in Delhi’s politics. It marks the closing of an important chapter in his life. His governance, marked firmly by education, health, free electricity – ends amidst scandals.
Politics Impact of Kejriwal’s Resignation
Kejriwal has unleashed the biggest AAP shake-up. The party’s PAC heard pitches for its would-be successors, listening to what it is being told. Kejriwal will, in effect, resign as leader and resign letter to Delhi Lt Governor V. K. Saxena. This level of leadership should settle in quickly. Kejriwal remains in the party, though; he has firmly declared he will return only if public opinion in general is behind his actions.
That has created a political space within AAP, which had projected Kejriwal as the face of its governance model. His arrest and resignation put the party on the backfoot, forcing it to answer difficult questions on its anti-corruption credentials, for AAP came to power on the platform of clean governance. However, it is confident about the core voter base and hopes that, eventually, the charges against Kejriwal would get dismissed.
Delhi CM Succession Candidates
Even as of now, it is not clear who might emerge to take the place of Kejriwal, as many names have come forth and AAP leadership is said to be deliberating over a few of them, each with his strengths or population to cater for the party. And here are some of the top ones:
Sunita Kejriwal:
she is the other strong contender in this regard. She had played a pivotal role in campaigning when Arvind was in jail. She would ensure continuity of Kejriwal’s vision and legacy as she has been his closest advisor on political strategies.
Atishi Marlena:
The other prominent face of AAP is Atishi, who worked for revolutionising the education system of Delhi. Enjoying a very clean image, she could be termed as a natural successor – due to her intellectual approach towards governance and popularity among middle-class voters.
Kailash Gahlot:
is the present transport minister of Delhi, but he has been associated with one of the most successful initiatives in Delhi, among which public transport reforms are included. His administrative experience makes him a serious contender for the position.
Saurabh Bhardwaj:
He is another front runner. He has been a close associate of Kejriwal and has gained excellent kudos in party circles. Loyalty towards Kejriwal and involvement with key decisions during AAP’s governance time make his candidature strongly supported.
Of course, one hears speculations that AAP can go beyond its conventions of its leadership and may have a candidate from the Dalit or Muslim community just for wider representation. That would perfectly gel with the party’s desire to widen the voters’ range and disperse criticism that it was not as inclusive.
What Next?
Thereafter, the AAP legislative party will convene to elect the new Chief Minister. The party leader will then summon the Lieut. Governor V.K. Saxena to ratify the decision. And once again, probably political chess games on the part of opposition parties and against rival factions of AAP will take a long way in deciding whom to anoint.
Kejriwal’s resignation presents AAP with an uphill task. First and foremost, it has to work itself clear of the corruption charges but also prove that AAP will not go down on unsustainable and possibly unviable leadership now that Kejriwal is out
The new Chief Minister whoever he may be would have the daunting task of steering Delhi through this transition without losing the confidence of its voters
Conclusion
Suddengly change in Chief Ministership of Delhi has brought the political arena of the city in a state of limbo. Corruption Allegations compel Arvind Kejriwal to resign. And this has made it a multi-contestant affair to fill up his position. The party will have a nightmare both on internal challenges and external criticism ensuing from this crisis. But with the present scenario unwinding, the expectations now depend on the shoulders of the next leader to take up the governance of Delhi, holding an anticipation of hope with which to regain party confidence and deliver on promises to the people of the capital.
