Atishi Takes Charge After Kejriwal’s Resignation
Atishi, a senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi, making history as the youngest person to ever hold the position. The 43-year-old took the oath on Saturday, following the resignation of her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, who stepped down after securing bail in the Delhi liquor policy case. Atishi’s tenure is set to be brief, as Delhi assembly elections are due in February next year.
New Leadership in the Capital
The new government led by Atishi will work alongside her trusted colleagues, several of whom were ministers in the previous Kejriwal cabinet. Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, and Imran Hussain retained their ministerial roles, while Mukesh Ahlawat, the legislator from Sultanpur Majra, is the only new face in the cabinet. Atishi had been a key player in Kejriwal’s administration, managing 14 significant portfolios, including finance, education, and revenue, during Kejriwal’s legal battles.
Kejriwal’s Exit and Election Promise
Kejriwal announced his resignation in a public statement, asserting that he would not return to the Chief Minister’s seat until he received a renewed mandate from the people. “I will not sit on the CM post until the public announces its decision,” Kejriwal said, setting the stage for AAP’s campaign in the upcoming elections. His resignation came just days after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in a corruption case related to the Delhi excise policy.
Kejriwal also promised to reach out to voters personally, stating, “If you think Kejriwal is honest, vote for me, and I will take over as CM after the elections. If not, don’t vote. Your vote will be a certificate for my honesty.”
Challenges Ahead for Atishi
Though her tenure is expected to be short, Atishi will play a crucial role in AAP’s preparation for the upcoming assembly polls. Her leadership will be pivotal as AAP seeks to regain power in the national capital. Both AAP and the opposition BJP have indicated support for advancing the election date.
Before the oath ceremony, Atishi and her fellow cabinet members met with outgoing Chief Minister Kejriwal at his residence. Atishi’s appointment as Delhi’s youngest CM marks a significant moment for AAP as they focus on strengthening their position ahead of the elections, with Atishi as a central figure in the party’s campaign.
(With inputs from agencies)
