In a significant political shift, Atishi of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took the oath of office as Delhi’s Chief Minister on Saturday, following the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal earlier in the week. This marks a pivotal moment in Delhi’s political landscape as Atishi becomes the first woman to succeed Kejriwal in this role.
Atishi, 43, was appointed as the leader of the legislature party on Tuesday, just before Kejriwal submitted his resignation to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. During her tenure as a minister under Kejriwal, Atishi managed 14 portfolios, including finance, education, and revenue, and played a crucial role in maintaining government functions during Kejriwal’s recent incarceration.
Kejriwal’s resignation came shortly after he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in a corruption case related to the Delhi excise policy. In his announcement, Kejriwal expressed his commitment to democracy, stating, “I will not sit on the CM chair until the people give their verdict.” He urged citizens to use their votes as a testament to his integrity, encouraging them to participate actively in the upcoming elections.
Alongside Atishi, several key ministers retained their positions, including Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, and Kailash Gahlot, while Imran Hussain also took an oath as a minister. The new cabinet welcomed Sultanpur Majra legislator Mukesh Ahlawat as a fresh face in the team.
Although Atishi’s government will have a brief tenure with assembly elections scheduled for February, the transition reflects AAP’s ongoing commitment to its governance model. Kejriwal has called for the elections to be expedited to November, aligning them with the upcoming polls in Maharashtra, emphasizing the importance of swift democratic processes.
As Atishi steps into her role, she aims to build on the achievements of the Kejriwal administration, promising to prioritize the needs and voices of the people of Delhi. This transition not only highlights the evolving leadership within AAP but also sets the stage for an engaging electoral battle ahead.
