AAP in Turmoil: A New Chief Minister for Delhi?
In a surprising turn of events, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is scrambling to find a new leader for Delhi after Arvind Kejriwal’s sudden resignation. The party is holding a series of crucial meetings to select a successor, starting with the Political Affairs Committee’s gathering on Monday evening at Kejriwal’s official residence.
Kejriwal’s resignation comes amidst mounting corruption allegations, which have prompted him to step down with a promise to return only once he receives a “certificate of honesty” from the people. This decision follows his recent bail from Tihar Jail in connection with an excise policy graft case. The chief minister’s pledge to clear his name before resuming office has thrown the party into a state of urgency.
In response, AAP has begun evaluating potential candidates to fill the chief ministerial role. The contenders include prominent Delhi ministers such as Atishi, Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Kailash Gahlot. Additionally, there is discussion around MLAs from the reserved category, like Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla, and even Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, as possible candidates.
Kejriwal’s resignation was announced during a speech at the party headquarters on Sunday, where he addressed his supporters and vowed not to return to office until his integrity is vindicated by the public. He also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he claimed was an attempt to paint him as corrupt, while accusing the BJP of failing to deliver on their promises of better education and free electricity due to their own corruption.
In his address, Kejriwal defended his decision not to resign following his arrest, stating his deep respect for democracy and the Constitution. He also challenged the BJP’s tactics, suggesting that non-BJP chief ministers should continue to govern even if they face legal issues, rather than resigning under pressure.
As the AAP navigates this leadership transition, the party faces the dual challenge of choosing a capable new chief minister while addressing the public’s concerns about the integrity of its leadership. The coming days will be crucial in determining not just the future of Delhi’s government, but also the trajectory of AAP as it continues to confront both internal and external pressures.
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