Will Sunita Kejriwal Become Delhi’s Next Chief Minister?
The political landscape in Delhi is buzzing with speculation over whether Sunita Kejriwal will step into the role of Chief Minister after her husband, Arvind Kejriwal, announced his intention to resign. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised questions about the timing of Kejriwal’s resignation, particularly his request for 48 hours to find a replacement or make adjustments. This dramatic announcement has fueled rumors and concerns about the future leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi.
BJP’s Skepticism and Speculation
Prominent BJP figures, including Sudhanshu Trivedi and Shehzad Poonawala, have openly questioned the motives behind Kejriwal’s resignation. They wonder if he is attempting to position his wife as a placeholder Chief Minister, thereby escaping accountability while still holding influence. Given recent developments, the BJP suggests that this could be interpreted as a move towards “all power and no responsibility” for Kejriwal.
Sunita Kejriwal’s Growing Involvement
In recent months, Sunita Kejriwal has increasingly taken on a prominent role within the party, especially during her husband’s incarceration. She has actively participated in rallies and campaigns, particularly in Haryana, while Arvind Kejriwal maintained his position as Chief Minister even from jail. His recent statement emphasizing that neither he nor his deputy, Manish Sisodia, would occupy their positions until re-elected has fueled further speculation about the party’s future and succession plans.
The Current Cabinet Landscape
Delhi’s cabinet comprises five ministers, with Gopal Rai being the most senior, followed by Imran Hussain, Kailash Gehlot, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Atishi. Gehlot’s role is particularly significant as he oversees crucial departments such as Home, Law, Finance, and Planning, which are vital for governance in the capital.
BJP’s Accusations of Political Drama
The BJP has characterized Kejriwal’s actions as a theatrical performance intended to garner public sympathy amid ongoing corruption allegations. Party insiders note that Kejriwal should have resigned on moral grounds much earlier but perhaps chose to reflect during his time in jail. The BJP maintains that the electorate’s confidence in AAP has diminished, as evident from their poor performance in recent electoral contests.
Comparative Lessons from Jharkhand
Political analysts suggest that AAP could learn from the recent experiences in Jharkhand. There, Chief Minister Hemant Soren resigned before facing jail time and appointed a trusted leader, Champai Soren, as a temporary successor. However, upon his return from bail, the dynamics shifted, resulting in Champai’s departure from JMM to join the BJP, which could have negative repercussions for JMM in the upcoming elections.
Looking Ahead: AAP’s Strategy for Upcoming Elections
AAP has made it clear that if they secure victory in the forthcoming Delhi elections, Arvind Kejriwal will return as Chief Minister. Until then, a stop-gap arrangement is expected to be in place. Kejriwal has also requested that elections in Delhi be postponed to November, aligning them with Maharashtra’s elections to maximize political efficacy.
Conclusion
The upcoming days are crucial for AAP as they navigate through this political storm. Whether Sunita Kejriwal will indeed step into the role of Chief Minister or if another leader will emerge remains to be seen. The party’s strategy will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping Delhi’s political future as they seek to regain the trust of their constituents amid increasing scrutiny and opposition challenges.
