New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is grappling with a significant leadership vacuum in the Delhi government following the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges related to the liquor policy case on Thursday night. With many of its key figures behind bars, the party now faces the challenge of identifying a potential successor to steer the government.
As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, AAP is also eyeing an expansion of its influence nationwide. In collaboration with the Congress, the party aims to contest against the BJP in Delhi, Haryana, and Gujarat. Kejriwal's absence from the electoral fray is perceived as a setback for AAP's electoral prospects, given the sway his presence holds in campaigning. Other senior leaders of the party, including Manisha Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendar Jain, are also currently incarcerated.
In this pressing situation, AAP is compelled to swiftly chart its future course and select from its existing roster of leaders to lead both the Delhi government and the party should Kejriwal remain in custody.
Several potential candidates have emerged for Kejriwal's position:
Atishi: Holding significant portfolios such as education, Atishi has been a key figure in the cabinet since 2023. Stepping in after the arrest of Manish Sisodia, Atishi has continued the trajectory of reforms initiated by her predecessor, focusing particularly on enhancing the educational infrastructure of the national capital. Additionally, she has been a prominent voice in the party, spearheading various campaigns and addressing the media, including after Kejriwal's recent arrest.
Raghav Chadha: A notable figure within the party, Chadha played a pivotal role in AAP's victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections. As a Rajya Sabha MP, he has consistently targeted the BJP and the central government, addressing issues such as the breach of Parliament security and alleged unfulfilled promises. Chadha could be a potential candidate to lead the party, particularly in the run-up to the General Elections.
Saurabh Bharadwaj: Holding crucial positions in the Delhi Cabinet overseeing health and urban development, Bharadwaj has established himself as a prominent party member. He has been actively defending the party and its leaders while challenging the BJP and the central government on governance and political matters.
Sunita Kejriwal: The wife of Arvind Kejriwal, Sunita, also emerges as a potential leader within AAP. Like her husband, Sunita is a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer with a background in public service. Although she has largely remained out of the political spotlight, her experience and background make her a plausible candidate to lead the party or even assume the role of Chief Minister, should AAP decide to pursue that avenue.
As AAP navigates through this turbulent period, the selection of a new leader will be crucial in determining the party's trajectory in both the immediate future and the upcoming elections.
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