Indian opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal has chosen Delhi minister Atishi to succeed him as chief minister of the capital territory, allowing him to concentrate on securing a fresh mandate in upcoming elections next year. This decision follows his release on bail after being detained in a corruption case. Atishi, 43, a founding member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been a prominent figure in both the party and the Delhi government since Kejriwal’s arrest in March, a case he claims is politically motivated.

In a statement, Atishi said she would protect the people of Delhi and manage the government with Kejriwal's guidance. Kejriwal, who was granted bail by India’s Supreme Court after nearly six months of detention, has announced his intention to resign as chief minister to focus on the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, scheduled for mid-February. He has vowed to return as chief minister only if the people affirm his integrity through their votes.

Kejriwal’s arrest, tied to allegations of corruption related to Delhi's liquor sales policy, occurred just before national elections, leading opposition parties to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining their chances. Modi and BJP have denied these accusations, asserting that law enforcement agencies were simply performing their duties. The BJP emphasized that the bail granted to Kejriwal does not prove his innocence.