Who will be next CM? Atishi, Rai among possible candidates

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sparked intense speculation regarding the next Chief Minister by announcing his resignation within the next two days.

Potential frontrunners

• Atishi, one of the probable candidates, emerged as a key figure in the absence of Kejriwal and Sisodia. She is known for her crisis management skills, especially during water shortage
• Saurabh Bharadwaj along with Atishi has been the face of the government in the absence of the

  AAP leadership

• Gopal Rai oversees the Environment Department, a critical portfolio given Delhi’s pollution crisis. His experience and seniority make him a potential frontrunner.
• Kailash Gahlot, who heads multiple portfolios, is also in the race for the next CM

Addressing AAP workers, Kejriwal said, “I will only sit on the CM’s chair after people give me a certificate of honesty.”

While Kejriwal has kept his cards closed regarding his successor, he made it clear that Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy CM also accused in the excise scam, would not be taking charge. “I will become the Chief Minister and Sisodia the Deputy CM only when people say we are honest,” he added.

The race for the next CM is heating up, with a few prominent AAP leaders emerging as potential candidates.

Atishi, one of the probable candidates, currently holds key portfolios such as finance and education. She has been a significant figure in the absence of Kejriwal and Sisodia. Atishi has been known for her crisis management skills, especially during the water shortage.

Saurabh Bharadwaj, another close aide of Kejriwal, handles crucial departments, including health and urban development. He, along with Atishi, has been the face of the government in the absence of the AAP leadership.

Gopal Rai, a long-time cabinet member, oversees the Environment Department, a critical portfolio given Delhi’s pollution crisis. His experience and seniority make him a potential frontrunner. Another senior leader, Kailash Gahlot, who heads multiple portfolios, including transport and women and child development is in the race for the next Chief Minister of the Capital.

The next CM will have key responsibilities to undertake in the upcoming days such as re-organisation of the Delhi Council of Ministers (since a Cabinet berth got vacant after former Delhi minister Raaj Kumar Anand resigned) and holding meetings for National Capital Civil Service Authority.