Arvind Kejriwal resignation: Delhi divided on next Chief Minister

Following Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s surprise announcement of resignation, Delhi is abuzz with speculation about its next Chief Minister. Media India Group hit the streets to uncover which leader the city’s residents want to see step up.

In a sudden turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister and leader of the Aam Admi Party Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation on Sunday, citing political deadlock and the need for fresh elections in the capital. As the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces an unexpected challenge, the big question looming over Delhi is. Who will step in as the interim CM until fresh polls are held? With uncertainty in the air, Media India Group hit the streets to hear from the people of Delhi on who they think should lead the city during this transition.

“I believe the next Chief Minister will be someone from the core AAP leadership maybe Sunita Kejriwal, Atishi, or Saurabh Bhardwaj. All three are capable, but personally, I want Atishi to take on the role. She has done tremendous work in transforming Delhi’s education system. I have seen the impact of her policies first hand. Under her leadership, the city’s schools have become better equipped, and children are receiving the quality education they deserve. If anyone can bring fresh ideas and progress, it is her,” Gaurav Kumar 27-year-old resident of Uttam Nagar in west Delhi tells Media India Group.

“I have not been a big fan of AAP over the years, but I have to admit, Atishi is someone I genuinely respect. She has already done so much for Delhi, particularly in the education sector, and her work speaks for itself. The way she has transformed public schools and focused on improving the quality of education for all children is impressive. I feel like if she were to become the next CM, she could bring that same energy and dedication to other areas of governance. Atishi has a clear vision for Delhi’s future, and I think she could take the city forward in a meaningful way. With her at the helm, we would likely see real progress across multiple sectors,” Mehak Sharma, a 30-year-old resident of Lajpat Nagar, in south Delhi tells Media India Group.

But not everyone is rooting for her. “I am confident that Sunita Kejriwal will be the next Chief Minister, and I think she is the right choice for the job. While she may not have been in the public eye as much, but she has played an important role behind the scenes, especially during the recent Lok Sabha elections when Arvind Kejriwal was in jail. She led AAP’s campaign efforts and worked tirelessly to keep the party on track. Her experience, combined with her understanding of Delhi’s political landscape, makes her an ideal candidate to step up. Having someone with her dedication and vision could help maintain the stability of the city during this transitional period,” Asad Ahmed, 25-year-old student of Delhi University tells Media India Group.

The names of other leaders of AAP are also doing rounds as possible successors of Kejriwal for the position of CM.  “I think Saurabh Bhardwaj could be a strong choice for the next CM. He has been a close ally of Arvind Kejriwal and has been deeply involved in the party’s decisions and strategies. His experience and understanding of the inner workings of Delhi’s administration are invaluable. Saurabh’s familiarity with the issues and his proactive approach make him well-suited to step in and continue the work that is already been started. He has been right there with Kejriwal, so he knows the challenges and has the capability to handle them effectively,” Nabeel Taqvi, 29-year-old architect from Mayur Vihar in east Delhi tells Media India Group.

“I am really concerned about why Arvind Kejriwal resigned. He has been the face of change in Delhi, and his resignation has left me worried about what is next for our city. As a small shopkeeper, I have seen firsthand how his policies have impacted our lives, better infrastructure, support for small businesses, and improved public services. Whoever takes over as Chief Minister, I just hope they can continue his work effectively. But honestly, my heart is with Kejriwal. I want him back leading us because he understands Delhi’s needs like no one else. His vision and commitment are unmatched, and it is hard to imagine anyone else stepping into his shoes and delivering the same level of progress and care for our city,” Sonu Singh, 47-year-old businessman, from Sarita Vihar in south Delhi tells Media India Group.