New Delhi: As Delhi’s political climate heats up, all eyes are on Arvind Kejriwal and his choice for the next Chief Minister. The current CM, embroiled in the fallout from the Delhi liquor scam, faces the challenge of picking a successor in the event he steps aside, while still planning to return to the post after elections in five months. This decision could be pivotal, not just for the future of Delhi but for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a whole.
In Indian political history, there are two prominent models for selecting a new Chief Minister during a crisis. The first model comes from Lalu Yadav, who handed over power to his wife, Rabri Devi, when he was implicated in the fodder scam in 1997. The second is the Champai Soren model, where Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren appointed his confidant, Champai Soren, as his successor while he was jailed for a land scam. Both these models, however, failed to secure long-term success and triggered internal party rifts.
Kejriwal is now faced with a tough decision. Handing over the Chief Ministership to his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, in a Lalu-style move, would risk damaging his public image, and she’s currently not an elected MLA. Additionally, it could stir dissatisfaction among AAP members and raise legal complications as the Lieutenant Governor (LG) might object, given that the Delhi elections are only five months away.
Within AAP, there is no shortage of contenders. Ministers from Kejriwal’s government, including those who have supported him throughout the liquor scam controversy, are being considered for the role. However, choosing one minister could lead to friction among others, threatening the party’s unity at a critical time.
Kejriwal’s other challenge is navigating Delhi’s caste and regional dynamics, which have remained relatively dormant under his leadership. If he selects a Chief Minister from a particular caste, it could upset Delhi’s delicate social balance, alienating key voter groups ahead of the assembly elections. With polls just months away, any misstep could lead to a backlash at the ballot box.
The liquor scam, which has plagued AAP for the last two years, has seen prominent party leaders jailed. Despite these setbacks, AAP has remained largely intact, with Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia acknowledging the party’s resilience in public statements. The ongoing crisis now threatens to disrupt this stability, making the choice of a new leader all the more delicate.
Time, however, is not on Kejriwal’s side. With elections looming, the new Chief Minister would have only a limited window to establish themselves before the Model Code of Conduct kicks in. Even so, Kejriwal has promised to return to the role after the elections, signalling that any interim leader would only be a temporary placeholder.
As the political temperature rises, the decision over who will lead Delhi in the coming months has far-reaching implications. Kejriwal’s choice could determine whether AAP remains a dominant force or faces internal divisions as Delhi heads to the polls.
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