By nominating Atishi as his successor, Arvind Kejriwal wants to send a signal to his party colleagues that AAP values ability and performance over family dynasties. (PTI)
Apart from avoiding dynasty politics, it is also a political strategy of the AAP convenors to have young and trusted party colleagues as their successors.
Arvind Kejriwal, who was released from Tihar jail on Friday and resigned as Delhi chief minister on Tuesday, surprised by choosing the youngest member of Atishi’s Cabinet as his successor.
Although there was widespread expectation that Kejriwal would nominate his wife Sunita as chief minister, he defied expectations by choosing Atishi, raising eyebrows.
The move is not from the norm seen in Indian politics where senior politicians, who hold important positions in the government or party and are accused of corruption or criminal charges and arrested for the same, often ask family members, especially their wives, to protect their politics. heirloom. So why did Kejriwal pick Atishi, and what does that tell us about his strategy?
Here, the AAP convenor seems to be following in the footsteps of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Soren and Kejriwal shun dynastic politics, consciously avoiding the legacy of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family. Soren, after being arrested by the ED in connection with the land deed scam, resigned from his post and appointed his senior party friend Champai Soren as his successor despite supporting his wife Kalpana.
It is also Kejriwal’s political strategy to have a young and trusted party colleague as his successor, and this will serve two purposes for him. At first, his resignation may have engendered public sympathy by showing him as a principled figure who made personal sacrifices. Second, choosing his wife as a successor could lead to sharp criticism from the BJP, labeling it another dynasty that wants to keep power in the family.
Choose merit, ditched the dynasty
By nominating Atishi as his successor, Kejriwal wants to send a signal to his party colleagues that AAP values ability and performance in family dynasties, in stark contrast to leaders who often install spouses to protect party control. This message will increase the morale of the party and also give them loyalty.
Atishi is known for his contribution to Delhi’s education reforms, the main pillar of the AAP government, making him not only a loyal party member but also a real achiever.
Kejriwal may have avoided charges of ‘nepotism’ but his political opponents still call Atishi a ‘puppet chief minister’. However, for Kejriwal, it is better than being compared to the Congress and against allegations of dynastic politics, said the retired IAS officer, who worked with the former Delhi CM as part of his government and then the party.
Indian politics has long been associated with dynastic leadership, with many examples of politicians elevating family members to power. This is also one of the central points and focus of BJP to attack the opposition. Kejriwal’s choice to buck this trend distanced AAP from accusations of nepotism, strengthening its position as a party rooted in clean and merit-based politics. His party – which is currently under political and public scrutiny for several corruption-related allegations – needs assurances to promote politics based on merit rather than nepotism.
Youth and gender at the forefront
Apart from the political and personal aspects associated with Kejriwal himself, Atishi’s elevation also sends a strong message about inclusivity, youth, and gender representation. The appointment could strengthen AAP’s appeal among young voters and women, while portraying the party as progressive in terms of future leadership, unlike traditional parties that rely on family names or old hands to consolidate power.
Installing a trusted party colleague like Atishi could also be a tactical decision to ensure the smooth running of the party and the government without overshadowing Kejriwal. If the wife or a close family member has to come in, they can increase their supervision and ask about their long-term goals.
In addition, Atishi – who has a bright academic career chart and is known as a wise young politician – manages public perception, deals with the media and handles governance in times of crisis. Kejriwal’s decision reflects his confidence in Atishi’s leadership and loyalty. He projected continuity in policy and governance while projecting an image of a young and capable leader who could maintain the AAP’s voter base and governance model despite his absence. Unlike his family members, whose selection could lead to public skepticism and internal conflict, Atishi’s appointment may be seen as a move to preserve AAP’s credibility.