Arvind Kejriwal Names Atishi as Successor Amid Dramatic Political Developments

In a surprising turn, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal proposed Atishi as his successor during a party meeting. This follows his assertion that he will only continue as CM if re-elected by the public. Kejriwal announced plans for early elections amid legal troubles.

In a significant development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, during a meeting with party MLAs on Tuesday, nominated Atishi as his successor. Sources confirmed that she was subsequently elected leader of the Delhi AAP Legislative Party.

At a legislature party meeting held at his residence in the national capital, Kejriwal's proposal received broad support from the MLAs, sources reported. Meanwhile, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj dismissed speculation about Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, assuming the position. Bharadwaj clarified that she has no interest in the role.

The announcement comes in the wake of Kejriwal's declaration that he would step down as CM and only return if the people of Delhi re-elected him, calling it a "certificate" of his honesty. This move follows his release on bail by the Supreme Court in a corruption case linked to the Delhi Excise Policy scam, with the court imposing restrictions on his public commentary regarding the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)