Kejriwal Declines Rajya Sabha Nomination, AAP Explores Options
Punjab Politics: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has stated unequivocally that he will not be accepting a nomination to the Rajya Sabha. Following this announcement, questions have arisen regarding who AAP will send to the upper house from Punjab. Discussions are intensifying both within and outside the party, particularly given that AAP Rajya Sabha MP from Ludhiana West, Sanjeev Arora, won the recent by-election. Consequently, his seat will become vacant, necessitating AAP to identify a new candidate for the House.
Kejriwal’s Direct Refusal Statement
Sanjeev Arora of the Aam Aadmi Party, representing the Ludhiana West constituency, has secured victory. Arora was previously a Rajya Sabha member and will now resign from his seat following his election as a legislator. Speculation had been circulating for several days regarding Kejriwal potentially representing Punjab in Parliament, specifically in relation to this seat.
However, Kejriwal has dismissed these speculations, stating to the media that he will not be going to the Rajya Sabha. He clarified that the party’s Political Affairs Committee will determine who will be nominated.
Three Potential Candidates Under Consideration
Following Kejriwal’s refusal, the party now faces three potential options. Firstly, Delhi’s senior leader, Manish Sisodia. Secondly, former Minister Satyendra Jain. And thirdly, considering a local face from Punjab. Let’s examine these three options in detail.
Manish Sisodia Considered the Frontrunner
Manish Sisodia is widely considered the frontrunner in this race within the Aam Aadmi Party, following Arvind Kejriwal. Sisodia has been a key face of the party’s policies and image during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi. Although he did not win his seat in the recent assembly elections, his acceptance and leadership capabilities within the party remain b. Furthermore, Sisodia currently serves as the in-charge of Punjab, mirroring a previous scenario where Raghav Chadha was appointed in-charge and subsequently nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
Satyendra Jain Also a Potential Candidate
Satyendra Jain, a former Minister in the Delhi government, is also being considered as a potential candidate. He has held significant responsibilities in crucial departments such as health, energy, and others for a considerable period. Jain is regarded as one of the early leaders of the party and has consistently been a trusted companion of Kejriwal, despite losing the Shakurbasti seat in the recent elections, his influence within the party persists.
Potential Nomination of a Local Punjabi Leader
The third option involves nominating a Punjabi leader from Punjab to the Rajya Sabha. This idea is gaining traction due to the need for AAP to strengthen its standing in Punjab. With just over two years remaining before the next assembly elections, the party may strategically nominate a local leader to bolster its leadership and appeal to Punjabi identity. Several local leaders are also requesting the party leadership to consider this option.
Formal Process Following Sanjeev Arora’s Resignation
With Sanjeev Arora now elected as a legislator, his resignation from the Rajya Sabha is now merely a formality. Following his resignation, the Election Commission will initiate the process for a by-election to fill the seat. The Aam Aadmi Party must nominate a candidate within the stipulated timeframe.
