Arvind Kejriwal to Step Down: Will Delhi Witness a Woman Chief Minister After a Decade?

Arvind Kejriwal’s unexpected announcement to step down as Delhi Chief Minister has triggered a wave of speculation about his potential successor. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is expected to make an official decision soon, with names like Atishi and others being floated. Will Delhi finally see a woman Chief Minister again, ten years after its last?

The AAP leader, who was released from Tihar Jail on bail in the excise policy case on Friday, shared his decision to step down, leaving many political analysts guessing who will fill his shoes. He mentioned that a meeting with the party’s legislators will soon be held to decide who will take over as Delhi’s new Chief Minister.

Early Elections or Assembly Polls in 2025?

While Delhi is slated to hold assembly polls in February 2025, Kejriwal has requested the Election Commission to consider moving up the elections to November 2024. However, this proposal seems unlikely to materialize due to the logistical challenges it entails. 

As the political landscape heats up, the pressing question remains: who will be Kejriwal’s successor?

Kejriwal’s Successor: The Key Contenders

In his announcement, Kejriwal has ruled out the possibility of his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, taking over the chief minister’s seat. Like Kejriwal, Sisodia is also awaiting the ‘honest’ tag to assume such a role. This leaves the door open for other contenders, with two key names emerging in the conversation: Atishi and Sunita Kejriwal.

The new chief minister is expected to assume an interim position until the next elections are held. 

Atishi: A Prominent Name in AAP

Atishi, a member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly and an influential voice in AAP, is considered one of the top contenders for the position. Known for her education reforms and progressive policies, Atishi has been a trusted ally of Kejriwal for years and has earned respect within the party and beyond. If chosen, she would become Delhi’s first woman Chief Minister in a decade.

Her work in transforming Delhi’s government schools and her efforts in promoting gender equality have made her a popular choice among many party members. However, whether she will indeed assume the role remains to be seen.

Sunita Kejriwal: A Controversial Prospect

Another name being discussed is Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hinted at the possibility of Sunita stepping into the role of Chief Minister.

Sunita Kejriwal rose to prominence earlier this year when her husband was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March. She was seen making public statements on his behalf and even participated in election campaigns ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. More recently, she has been actively involved in the preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana.

However, political analysts believe that her chances of becoming the next Chief Minister are slim. The Aam Aadmi Party is cautious about being labeled a ‘dynasty-driven’ party, and appointing Sunita to the top position might jeopardize the moral high ground Kejriwal hopes to maintain with his resignation. “The party will likely steer away from a dynastic image, as this could dilute the core values AAP has championed,” say political observers.

The Road Ahead for AAP and Delhi

As Delhi waits with bated breath for AAP’s decision, it is clear that the new Chief Minister will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the city, especially with the assembly elections approaching. Whoever is chosen will have a brief window to make an impact before the city heads to the polls. 

For Kejriwal, his exit marks the end of a significant chapter in his political career, but it also opens up a new era for Delhi politics. The question remains: will AAP continue to push its progressive agenda, or will the power shift lead to new alliances and strategies?

As Arvind Kejriwal prepares to step down, Delhi stands at a political crossroads. The decision on his successor will not only shape the immediate future of the city but also impact the upcoming elections. With potential candidates like Atishi and Sunita Kejriwal in the fray, the question of whether Delhi will see a woman Chief Minister after a decade looms large.

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