Can Arvind Kejriwal Become the Chief Minister of Punjab?
There has been a lot of discussion and speculation on whether Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently the Chief Minister of Delhi, can or should become the Chief Minister of Punjab. This article explores the possibility and discusses the implications for the regional polity.
The Case for Kejriwal as CM of Punjab
One of the key points often mentioned in favor of Kejriwal becoming the Chief Minister of Punjab is the party position. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), under Kejriwal's leadership, has shown significant promise in the national and state-level governance. Although it is once known for grassroots-level activists, AAP has gained a lot of trust through its people-centric schemes.
CPPP and Its Strength in Punjab
As of now, the AAP has a clear political presence in Punjab. It is expected to perform strongly in the upcoming elections, potentially challenging the incumbent Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This shift in the local power dynamics has even caused the BJP to make changes at the top leadership level, replacing the incumbent CM, Vijay Rupani, with Bhupendra Patel.
The Feasibility of Holding Office in Two States
Theoretically, it is entirely possible for a single individual to be the Chief Minister of two different states. For instance, ND Tiwari, the former Chief Minister of both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, successfully managed both states. However, the practicality of this situation, especially for someone like Kejriwal, presents several challenges.
Kejriwal's Leadership Style and Aspirations
Kejriwal has always been focused on his personal brand and does not seem to be grooming second-level leaders within the party. While there are notable party members like Yogendra Yadav, Alka Lamba, and Prashant Bhushan, Kejriwal continues to manage the affairs of AAP centrally. His desire to remain in the spotlight has led him to consider contesting for the Chief Ministership of Delhi, hoping that this position would attract more attention and admiration.
Controversies and Proofs
A recent development in the discussion around Kejriwal’s eligibility to contest elections in Punjab revolves around his place of origin. Yogi Adityanath, the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, recently had to provide proof of his domicile. Similarly, it has been suggested that Kejriwal might need to provide evidence to support his claim of being from Punjab, which would allow him to contest in these elections.
The Role of Home State Affiliation
Like Adityanath, who connected himself with his roots in Gorakhpur, Kejriwal would need a similar connection to claim Punjab as his home state. Should he fail to provide the necessary proof, it might become an issue for his party’s credibility and his own candidacy.
Conclusion
While it remains a possibility that Arvind Kejriwal could contest for and win the Chief Minister's position in Punjab, the practicalities, including his leadership style and the need to establish a clear connection to the state, make it a challenging endeavor. The political environment and the actions of other political figures will play a crucial role in determining the future of this scenario.