The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to announce the new Chief Minister of Delhi today at noon, following a legislative meeting at the current Chief Minister’s residence.
This meeting marks a significant moment for the party, as Arvind Kejriwal recently declared his resignation and will not resume his role as CM until the people of Delhi declare him "honest" through their votes. Kejriwal’s decision to step down comes after being released from Tihar jail, where he was held in relation to the Delhi Excise Policy scam.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, while remaining reserved about the potential successor, indicated that the new CM could be either a current minister or an MLA. Bharadwaj emphasised that even though Kejriwal is stepping down, the public mandate was primarily for him, and he would continue to be the face of the party.
According to Bharadwaj, the chosen CM would only serve temporarily, akin to the way Bharat ruled in Lord Ram’s absence, reflecting that the true leadership belongs to Kejriwal.
After the legislative meeting today, Arvind Kejriwal will meet with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at 4:30 p.m., during which the newly chosen leader of the legislative party is expected to formally stake their claim to the position of Chief Minister.
Kejriwal’s decision to step down comes amid calls for early elections in Delhi, which he has proposed to hold in November, ahead of the previously scheduled elections in February.
Kejriwal has stated that if he is re-elected by the public, it would serve as a testament to his integrity, offering him a "certificate" of honesty. This move is significant for the Aam Aadmi Party as it aims to reaffirm its leadership in the national capital and gain the trust of its voters amidst ongoing legal challenges.
Kejriwal’s recent troubles stem from his alleged involvement in the Delhi Excise Policy scam, a case that has captured significant media and public attention.
The Supreme Court, while granting him bail, has imposed conditions on his release, including a restriction on making public comments about the case and a requirement that he attend all court hearings unless granted an exemption.
As the political landscape in Delhi undergoes a major shift, the announcement of the new Chief Minister today is expected to shape the party’s future direction. With Bharadwaj indicating that the chosen leader will act as a placeholder until elections, the focus remains on how the Aam Aadmi Party will navigate these changes while retaining its core leadership and voter base.
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