The much-anticipated decision on Delhis next Chief Minister is expected to unfold today as Arvind Kejriwal, the incumbent CM, is likely to step down at 4:30 pm following a meeting with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. This comes after Kejriwal, recently granted bail in the liquor policy case, stirred the political scene in Delhi by announcing on September 15 that he would resign within two days.Kejriwals consultations with AAP leadersThe process of selecting the new Chief Minister began on Monday, with Kejriwal holding a series of one-on-one consultations with senior leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to gather feedback on potential successors. The final decision is expected to be made during a key meeting of AAP MLAs at Kejriwals residence at 11:30 am today, where the frontrunners for the post will be discussed and a successor named.Top contenders for Delhis chief ministerSeveral prominent AAP leaders are being considered as possible candidates for the Chief Ministers office. Delhi ministers Atishi, Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Kailash Gahlot are seen as the leading contenders. Kejriwal has already ruled out former deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who is also out on bail in the liquor policy case, from assuming the role.Sources within AAP indicate that the party will formally announce the name of Delhis new Chief Minister around noon today, following the morning meeting. A surprise contender could emerge, with the names of Mangolpuri MLA Rakhi Birla and minister Imran Hussain also being floated as potential candidates.However, while speaking to ANI, AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said that it does not matter who sits on the CM chair because the mandate was for Arvind Kejriwal. The public chose Arvind Kejriwal.#WATCH | Delhi: AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says, ... It does not matter who sits on the CM chair because the mandate was for Arvind Kejriwal. The public chose Arvind Kejriwal. He has said that he will not sit on the CM chair until the people ask again but… pic.twitter.com/FefLw7ixxb— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2024Kejriwal to submit resignationAfter the announcement, Kejriwal is expected to meet Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at 4:30 pm to officially tender his resignation. The decision marks a significant shift in Delhis political landscape, with Kejriwals leadership having shaped the capitals governance for over a decade.On Monday, Kejriwal held extensive discussions with senior party members, including one-on-one meetings with Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, to finalize the process. The decision over the next Chief Minister is crucial for the party as it moves to maintain its stronghold in the capital.
