Cites Age, Pledges Continued Support to AAP.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel has announced his retirement from active politics, a decision he attributes to his advancing age. The announcement comes just two months ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, marking the end of an era for the seasoned leader who has been a cornerstone of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) since its rise to power.
Goel’s Farewell to Electoral Politics
In a letter addressed to AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Ram Niwas Goel 76-year-old leader expressed his gratitude for the support and respect he received during his tenure. He highlighted his decade-long service as the Shahdara MLA and Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, a role he has held since 2015.
“Due to my age, I wish to step away from electoral politics,” Goel wrote, adding that he remains committed to serving the AAP with unwavering dedication. “I will make every effort to fulfill any responsibility entrusted to me.”
Goel thanked Kejriwal for the trust and respect shown to him, as well as the camaraderie shared with fellow legislators. He assured the party of his continued involvement, offering his experience and resources to further its objectives.
Kejriwal’s Emotional Response
Acknowledging Goel’s decision, Arvind Kejriwal termed it an emotional moment for the party. He praised Goel’s invaluable contributions, both as a legislator and a guide, stating:
“Goel ji’s guidance has provided the right direction inside and outside the Assembly. He will always remain a guardian of the party, and his experience will continue to be invaluable.”
Kejriwal emphasized that the party respects Goel’s decision and reiterated that his wisdom and service will be called upon in future endeavors.
A Distinguished Career in Politics
Ram Niwas Goel’s political journey spans over three decades. Beginning his career with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1993, Goel won his first electoral seat that year. He later joined AAP and became a significant figure in Delhi politics.
Key Milestones in Goel’s Career:
- 1993: Elected as MLA from Shahdara as a BJP candidate.
- 2015: Won the Shahdara seat by defeating BJP’s Jitender Singh Shunty with a margin of 11,731 votes.
- 2020: Re-elected from Shahdara, defeating BJP’s Sanjay Goel by 5,294 votes.
- 2015-2024: Served as Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, earning a reputation for fairness and dedication.
Impact on the Upcoming Elections
Goel’s decision to step down is expected to reshape the dynamics of the Shahdara constituency, traditionally seen as his stronghold. AAP will need to identify a suitable candidate to fill the void left by his departure while ensuring the continuity of its influence in the region.
As the Assembly elections draw near, Goel’s retirement serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and transitions inherent in political life. While he steps away from the electoral spotlight, his legacy and contributions to Delhi’s governance will remain influential.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
