With Arvind Kejriwal announcing his imminent resignation as Delhi Chief Minister and stating that he will only return after a public mandate clears him of corruption allegations, speculation has mounted over who will assume the top job in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Although Delhi’s assembly elections are set for February next year, Mr. Kejriwal has called for them to be advanced to November, aligning with Maharashtra’s polls. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has echoed similar sentiments, declaring that he too will seek re-election before returning to office. This effectively rules out AAP’s top brass from the current race for the Chief Minister’s post.
Despite the fact that this Chief Ministerial tenure will be brief, lasting only a few months, AAP’s leadership is likely to opt for a prominent figure capable of effectively conveying the party’s stance on critical issues. The candidate will also need to garner broad support within the party ranks to maintain unity ahead of the crucial elections.
Atishi
Atishi, Delhi’s Minister handling key portfolios like education and PWD, is seen as a strong contender for the Chief Ministerial position. A Rhodes Scholar and Oxford University alumna, Atishi played a pivotal role in transforming Delhi’s education system under AAP’s flagship initiatives. The 43-year-old MLA from Kalkaji took on ministerial duties after Manish Sisodia’s arrest in the now-scrapped liquor policy case. During the absence of both Arvind Kejriwal and Sisodia, she became the party’s spokesperson, representing AAP’s stance on major issues. Her prominence was further highlighted when Kejriwal selected her to hoist the tricolour at the Delhi government’s Independence Day event—though the plan was blocked by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena—showing the party’s deep trust in her leadership.
Saurabh Bharadwaj
Saurabh Bharadwaj, a three-time MLA from Greater Kailash, is another key contender for the Chief Ministerial role. Currently overseeing vigilance and health in the Kejriwal government, Bharadwaj stepped into a ministerial role following Manish Sisodia’s arrest in the liquor policy case. A former software engineer, he also served as a minister during Kejriwal’s brief 49-day government. As a national spokesperson for AAP, Bharadwaj has effectively communicated the party’s stance, particularly when senior leaders were jailed in corruption cases, underscoring his importance within the party’s leadership.
Raghav Chadha
Raghav Chadha, a key figure in AAP’s national executive and political affairs committee, is another prominent contender. A Rajya Sabha MP and a seasoned party member since its inception, Chadha previously worked as a chartered accountant and served as an MLA from Rajinder Nagar. He was instrumental in AAP’s landslide victory in the 2022 Punjab elections. At just 35 years old, Chadha has emerged as one of India’s leading young politicians, consistently representing AAP’s stance on critical issues in Parliament, making him a strong candidate for the Chief Ministerial position.
Kailash Gahlot
Kailash Gahlot, a seasoned lawyer and senior member of the AAP government, is another potential candidate for the Chief Ministerial role. Currently overseeing critical portfolios like transport, finance, and home affairs, Gahlot has been the MLA from Najafgarh since 2015. A practising advocate in both the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court, he held a leadership position in the High Court Bar Association between 2005 and 2007. At 50 years old, Gahlot’s legal expertise and extensive experience in governance position him as a strong contender within the AAP leadership.
Sanjay Singh
Sanjay Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP since 2018, is one of AAP’s most recognizable faces, known for his passionate speeches in Parliament. At 52, Singh is a founding member of the party and serves on its national executive and political affairs committee. He frequently represents AAP in media interactions, articulating the party’s stance on significant issues. Singh, like Kejriwal and Sisodia, was arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case and is currently out on bail. His deep roots in the party and strong public presence make him a noteworthy contender for the Chief Ministerial position.
