
Talks regarding a potential replacement for the detained Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have intensified within party circles, despite reassurances from the AAP leadership that Kejriwal would continue to govern from jail. Among the speculated successors are Sunita Kejriwal, Kejriwal’s wife, and cabinet ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj. However, while there is no legal impediment to a jailed chief minister exercising authority from behind bars, practical challenges loom large.
The AAP faces a dual crisis: the immediate need to identify a capable leader to manage both the party and the Delhi government in Kejriwal’s absence and the longer-term challenge of finding a figurehead to sustain the party’s identity. Kejriwal has epitomized the AAP since its inception in 2012, serving as its convener and holding the position of Delhi Chief Minister for nearly a decade.
This urgency is exacerbated by the AAP’s preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in multiple states, where Kejriwal was expected to play a pivotal role in the party’s campaign. Speculative successors include Sunita Kejriwal, a former IRS officer; Atishi, who holds numerous key portfolios in the Delhi government and is a vocal defender of the AAP; and Bharadwaj, also a prominent cabinet member known for his advocacy on behalf of the party.
Despite the speculation, the AAP leadership has consistently dismissed the notion of replacing Kejriwal, affirming their stance that he will continue to lead the Delhi government even if incarcerated. The party initiated a signature campaign, “Mai Bhi Kejriwal,” seeking public opinion on whether Kejriwal should resign or govern from jail if arrested. The overwhelming response, as reported by Bharadwaj, indicated support for Kejriwal continuing in office.
Legally, Kejriwal could technically continue to govern from jail if not convicted, as there are no statutory prohibitions against a chief minister doing so. However, recent precedent suggests that other AAP ministers, such as Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia, resigned upon arrest, highlighting the complex interplay between legal provisions and political norms.