Atishi to succeed Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi’s chief minister

Atishi is set to become the new chief minister of Delhi, following a proposal from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and current Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. On Tuesday, Kejriwal recommended her name, and she was subsequently elected as the leader of the AAP Legislative Party, according to sources cited by ANI.

Earlier, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj dismissed speculation that Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, would take over the position.

AAP MLA Gopal Rai, speaking to ANI upon arriving at Kejriwal’s residence for the meeting, said, “A Legislative Party meeting has been convened. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has made it clear that he will not continue in his role unless the people re-elect him. Until then, the party will appoint a new chief minister, and the government will function under that leadership. Government will be formed in Delhi under the leadership of CM Kejriwal once again.”

On Saturday, Kejriwal announced his decision to resign as chief minister and not seek re-election until the people of Delhi declare him “honest”. He has also called for advancing the Delhi elections to November this year, ahead of the originally scheduled date in February.

Kejriwal said that if re-elected, it would serve as a “certificate” of his honesty.

The 54-year-old leader’s announcement came two days after he was released from Tihar Jail, having been granted bail by the Supreme Court in connection with a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam.

The Supreme Court’s conditions for Kejriwal’s release include refraining from public comments on the case and mandatory attendance at all trial court hearings unless exempted.