Who next as Delhi CM? As Kejriwal’s shock announcement sparks speculation, here are the top contenders

Delhi Minister Atishi and Sunita Kejriwal are among the key contendors being considered for the next CM.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal's sudden announcement to resign as Delhi Chief Minister has ignited significant speculation around his potential successor.

During a press conference on Sunday, Delhi minister Atishi stated that the focus should not be on who replaces Kejriwal but instead on AAP's continued service to the people of Delhi. Atishi lauded Kejriwal for setting a new standard of political integrity by asking for public support based on his honesty. With less than six months until the Delhi elections, she underscored that the decision ultimately lies with the voters.

Amid speculation around potential successors, the name of the incumbent CM's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, has surfaced frequently. Her increased visibility and political activity during Kejriwal’s recent jail term have fueled discussions about her potential role. She actively participated in public rallies and led the party’s campaign in Haryana for the Assembly elections.

Besides, Kejriwal also announced that neither he nor Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will resume their roles until they are re-elected by the public, effectively ruling out Sisodia as a potential replacement for him.

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Atishi is another strong contender being considered for the role. A prominent figure in AAP since its inception, she has played a crucial role in shaping the party’s 2013 manifesto and currently manages 13 portfolios, including finance, planning, public works, water, power, education, higher education, services, and publicity. This makes her the minister with the broadest portfolio in the Delhi government.

Other possible successors include Gopal Rai, a long-standing party member and minister who could provide stability, and Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, known for his outspoken criticism of the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor.

The Delhi Cabinet currently includes five ministers - Gopal Rai, Imran Hussain, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Atishi. Kailash Gahlot oversees key portfolios such as Home, Law, Finance, and Planning.

The BJP has slammed Kejriwal’s resignation, with spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi questioning the timing and suggesting that it might be a tactic to garner public sympathy. The party argued that Kejriwal should have resigned earlier on moral grounds, given the ongoing corruption allegations.

Despite the speculation, AAP remains firm that Kejriwal will be their chief ministerial candidate in the upcoming Delhi elections. The interim period until February is viewed as a temporary phase, with Kejriwal also advocating for the Delhi elections to be held in November to coincide with the Maharashtra polls.