Atishi has been named the next Chief Minister of Delhi following a key legislative party meeting chaired by outgoing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at his residence earlier today. Kejriwal proposed Atishi’s name during the meeting, signaling a significant leadership change in the capital.

Kejriwal is expected to formally tender his resignation later today. He will also meet Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at 4:30 PM to complete the procedural handover of power.

The decision follows Kejriwal’s release from Tihar Jail on September 13, where he had been incarcerated in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Delhi liquor policy case. Two days after his release, Kejriwal announced his intention to resign within 48 hours and called for early elections in Delhi. He vowed not to return to the chief minister’s office until he received a “certificate of honesty” from the people.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership held a series of meetings on Monday, during which Kejriwal sought feedback from members of the party’s highest decision-making body, the political affairs committee, on his successor. Among the contenders for the post were Delhi ministers Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, and Saurabh Bharadwaj. Other names floated included Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, and Mangolpuri MLA Rakhi Birla, who is also the deputy speaker.

Party insiders had hinted that the new Chief Minister might come from the minority community, given AAP’s fluctuating support among minority voters following the 2020 Delhi riots.

Atishi’s selection marks a significant moment in Delhi’s political landscape, as she steps into the role at a time of uncertainty and a call for fresh elections. The party is expected to clarify its future course of action in the coming days.