New Delhi, September 17: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai announced today that Atishi will assume the role of Delhi Chief Minister until Arvind Kejriwal can be reinstated with a substantial majority. This decision was made during a legislative party meeting held after Kejriwal's resignation.

Rai explained that the party aims to hold elections as soon as possible, ideally between October and November. In the interim, Atishi will take over the Chief Ministerial responsibilities. Rai emphasized that Atishi's main tasks are to continue government functions despite challenges from the BJP and to protect Delhi's public from any issues related to the party.

"The Chief Minister will submit his resignation today, and the new government will also be established today," Rai said.

Kailash Gehlot, a Delhi government minister who was also considered for the position, confirmed that Atishi was chosen unanimously. During a meeting of party MLAs, Kejriwal proposed Atishi as his successor, and the MLAs supported the decision.

Kejriwal, who announced his resignation earlier this week, has called for the elections to be moved up to November. He stated that if re-elected, it would affirm his integrity and has advocated for early elections in Delhi and Maharashtra. This decision came shortly after Kejriwal's release from Tihar Jail, where he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in connection with the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scandal. The court imposed conditions on his release, including restrictions on public comments about the case and mandatory attendance at trial hearings.

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