AAP Leadership to Decide on Next CM, Atishi Emerges as Frontrunner

Atishi Emerges as Frontrunner for Delhi Chief Minister Post, Speculation Around Leadership Grows

BHUBANESWAR: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up to choose its next Chief Minister, with Atishi emerging as the most talked-about candidate. While the final decision rests with the AAP legislative party, Atishi’s growing stature within the government, where she handles 13 portfolios, has placed her at the forefront of the discussions.

Former deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who would have been a natural choice for the top post, remains out of the running due to ongoing legal challenges. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal addressed this during a speech at the party office on Sunday, stating, “The pain that I am feeling is also in Manish Sisodia’s mind. The things that were said about me were also said about him. Manish has said that he will take over the post of deputy CM and education minister of Delhi only when the people of Delhi say that he is honest.”

Atishi has witnessed a meteoric rise within AAP. Since the party’s formation, she has played a pivotal role, particularly during the 2013 assembly elections, where she was instrumental in drafting the party’s manifesto. As the MLA from Kalkaji, she has taken the lead on several pressing issues, including the ongoing Delhi water dispute with neighboring states. Atishi’s prominence became even more apparent when Kejriwal, during his time in jail, proposed that she hoist the national flag on his behalf during the Independence Day function. However, the lieutenant governor chose minister Kailash Gahlot for the task.

In addition to her current responsibilities, which include finance, education, public works, and power, Atishi has become a key player in AAP’s communication efforts, frequently addressing key issues and taking on both the BJP and lieutenant governor in public debates. Her growing influence is hard to ignore, and many in the party believe her experience and portfolio management make her a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post.

At the same time, speculation has been brewing around Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, and her future role within AAP. A 1993-batch Indian Revenue Services officer, Sunita has recently appeared at several public and political events, raising questions about her potential involvement in the party’s leadership. She was a constant presence alongside Kejriwal during his interim bail period and campaigned for AAP during the Lok Sabha elections. However, party insiders have largely dismissed her as a candidate for the Chief Minister position, with Kejriwal himself playing down her role in recent months. Concerns over accusations of nepotism are seen as a key reason why she is unlikely to take on a formal role.

Apart from Atishi, other names being discussed within AAP circles include Gopal Rai, a long-time party leader and Poorvanchali representative. Rai, who has been with AAP since its inception during the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement, is viewed as a non-controversial candidate who could hold the position temporarily. Health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, a well-known face within AAP, has also emerged as a possible option. Bharadwaj has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP and lieutenant governor and has a strong presence in both the government and the party.

Some sections of AAP have suggested that the party might consider appointing a Scheduled Caste candidate, with Rakhi Birla, the deputy speaker of the Delhi assembly, being mentioned as a potential candidate. Such a move could send a significant political signal, though it remains speculative at this stage.

With multiple names in the fray, AAP’s leadership is expected to make a decision soon, balancing political optics and internal dynamics. As the party navigates this crucial phase, Atishi remains the strongest contender for the Chief Minister’s post, given her extensive responsibilities and growing prominence within AAP’s leadership.

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