Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that he will step down from his role, indicating that someone within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will assume his position until elections are held. This decision effectively eliminates the possibility of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia stepping in.
According to party insiders, ministers Atishi, Gopal Rai, and Kailash Gahlot are being considered as possible replacements. Kejriwal has ruled out Manish Sisodia as a candidate for the position.
Kejriwal, who was recently released on bail after spending nearly six months in jail over the Delhi liquor policy scandal, has chosen to resign as a stance of moral high ground and to advocate for early elections.
Live Updates:
- 17:43 16 Sep 2024: Discussions are ongoing about potential candidates for the next Delhi chief minister. Atishi, Gopal Rai, and Kailash Gahlot are among the names being considered, with Manish Sisodia ruled out.
- 17:33 16 Sep 2024: AAP MLAs will meet at Kejriwal’s residence tomorrow at 11:30 AM to discuss the leadership transition. Kejriwal’s resignation is expected to be submitted during his 4:30 PM meeting with Lieutenant Governor Saxena.
- 17:20 16 Sep 2024: The AAP meeting at Kejriwal’s residence has begun, with senior party members including Manish Sisodia, Kailash Gehlot, and Atishi arriving. The focus is on the upcoming resignation and succession plan.
- 17:18 16 Sep 2024: BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj has criticized Kejriwal’s resignation as a political maneuver, suggesting it masks underlying legal and political issues related to the liquor scam.
- 17:12 16 Sep 2024: AAP leader Sandeep Pathak stated that the new chief minister will be chosen within the next 1-2 days. He emphasized that Kejriwal’s resignation is driven by a commitment to his personal honor rather than a thirst for power.
- 17:08 16 Sep 2024: Atishi and Kailash Gehlot have arrived at Kejriwal’s residence as preparations for his resignation and the subsequent leadership transition continue.
- 16:50 16 Sep 2024: Senior journalist Neerja Chowdhury discusses Kejriwal’s resignation, noting that it was an unexpected move that took both supporters and opponents by surprise.
- 16:44 16 Sep 2024: Junior doctors at the Delhi Press Club expressed their hope to participate in discussions with the chief minister regarding his resignation.
- 16:39 16 Sep 2024: Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has described Kejriwal’s resignation as a business decision rather than a political one, criticizing the move as a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine act of sacrifice.
- 16:27 16 Sep 2024: The Lieutenant Governor has confirmed a meeting with Chief Minister Kejriwal at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, during which Kejriwal is expected to resign.
- 16:25 16 Sep 2024: Kejriwal has requested a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Saxena on September 17, with plans to resign and call for early elections.