Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday that he will resign from the Chief Minister’s post after two days and would demand early polls in Delhi as he vowed not to sit in CM’s chair till people give him a “certificate of honesty”.
Kejriwal who was released from Tihar jail on bail in excise policy case on Friday, said that a a meeting with party legislators will be held soon to decide who will replace him as the next Delhi CM.
Here are the potential candidates who could be appointed as the Delhi Chief Minister:
Atishi Marlena
Atishi Marlena has emerged as a top contender who can take the coveted post of the next Delhi CM. She was elected to Delhi assembly for the first time in 2020. She has worked closely with Manish Sisodia on improving the city’s schools and education system. She is also among the most vocal leaders of AAP. Atishi holds key portfolios Arvind Kejriwal-led government such as Finance, Education, Public Works Department, Power, Revenue, Law, Planning, Services, Information and Publicity, and Vigilance.
Sunita Kejriwal
Although there is no official communication yet, but according to reports, Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal could be a potential candidate for replacement in the post. According to reports, when Delhi CM was arrested by the ED, Sunita Kejriwal played a crucial role in the AAP’s campaigning for the recent Lok Sabha polls in Delhi, Gujarat and Haryana.
Saurabh Bhardwaj
The current health minister of Delhi, Saurabh Bhardwaj is another candidate who could be the next Delhi CM. Bhardwaj was first elected to the Delhi Assembly during the brief 49-day AAP government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, where he was assigned several key ministries, including food and supply, transport, environment, and general administration. However, that government fell after a protest led by Kejriwal.
Kailash Gahlot
Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot is another top contender for the CM’s post. Gahlot represents the Najafgarh constituency.
Gopal Rai
Gopal Rai is another likely candidate to be the next CM. He is the current Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and wildlife, Development and General Administration Department.
Gopal Rai holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology from the Lucknow University. He was part of a number of campaigns against crime and corruption on college campuses as a student leader in Lucknow.
(With inputs from agencies)
