Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken many by surprise with his announcement on Sunday that he intends to resign from his position within the next two days. Following his release on bail from Tihar Jail concerning the ongoing investigation into an alleged corruption case related to the excise policy, Kejriwal has expressed that he will not return to the Chief Minister’s chair unless he is granted a ‘certificate of honesty’ from the people he serves. He stated, “I want to undergo a test of fire after coming out of jail,” affirming that he along with Manish Sisodia, the current Deputy Chief Minister, would only reassume their positions once they prove their integrity to the citizens.
Speculations on Kejriwal’s Successor
In the wake of Kejriwal’s revelation, numerous speculations have surfaced regarding who might take over his role. Among the potential candidates, the name Sunita Kejriwal, his wife, has emerged prominently. Since Arvind Kejriwal’s incarceration, Sunita has become increasingly visible in the political landscape, leading campaigning events and addressing constituents on various platforms while reading letters from her husband.
Who Will Be the Next Chief Minister?
Kejriwal has emphasized that the choice for the new Chief Minister will be made through a legislative party meeting and clarified that the successor will be from the ‘Aam Aadmi Party’ (AAP). While this leaves the door open for various candidates, political analysts suggest that Sunita Kejriwal’s active involvement in the party during her husband’s absence positions her as a significant contender.
Sunita Kejriwal’s Growing Political Profile
The recent surge of discussions surrounding Sunita Kejriwal can be attributed to her proactive stance in the AAP and her engagement with the public. This has not gone unnoticed, as she has quickly become a prominent figure among party ranks. It is crucial to highlight that her current lack of position as either an MLA or a minister presents a hurdle in her potential rise to Chief Minister.
Challenges Facing Sunita Kejriwal’s Potential Candidacy
While there is speculation regarding her candidacy, some significant obstacles remain. Firstly, her absence from a legislative role poses a challenge, as the AAP may prefer a candidate with established political credentials. Secondly, Kejriwal himself may refrain from appointing her to avoid accusations of nepotism, particularly as political tensions rise with impending elections. This is a sensitive time for the party, especially with the BJP actively accusing him of dramatizing his resignation to promote familial ties in leadership.
BJP’s Reaction
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been quick to seize on this situation, asserting that Kejriwal’s resignation is more about facilitating his wife’s ascension rather than genuinely responding to public accountability. BJP national secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa has claimed that the Chief Minister is using the two-day window to rally support for Sunita Kejriwal among party MLAs. The BJP has also taken the opportunity to suggest that the recent developments and Kejriwal’s required resignation are reflective of the Supreme Court’s implications regarding his alleged corrupt practices.
Conclusion
The political landscape in Delhi is approaching a critical juncture. The speculation surrounding the potential leadership of Sunita Kejriwal introduces new dynamics to the AAP and raises questions of integrity, accountability, and the formation of political alliances moving forward. As Delhi prepares for elections, the decisions taken by the AAP in the coming days will likely have a profound impact on the party’s future and its relevance in Delhi politics.
