Atishi Takes Over as Delhi’s New Chief Minister, Succeeding Arvind Kejriwal
Atishi becomes Delhi's youngest CM following Kejriwal's resignation, expressing gratitude to her mentor while the AAP braces for early elections.
Third Woman to Hold the Post, Atishi Thanks Kejriwal and Vows to Uphold His Legacy Amid Political Challenges
In a significant political development, Atishi has been named the new Chief Minister of Delhi following a legislative party meeting chaired by outgoing CM Arvind Kejriwal earlier today at his residence. Kejriwal, expected to submit his resignation later today, will also meet Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at 4:30 PM to formalize the transition.
Atishi, a close ally of Kejriwal and a key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), becomes the third woman to hold the position of Delhi’s Chief Minister, after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj. She has expressed deep gratitude to Kejriwal, whom she referred to as her “guru” for having faith in her leadership.
Atishi Expresses Gratitude to Kejriwal
Speaking at a press conference after her nomination, Atishi said, “It can only happen in the Aam Aadmi Party, and under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, that I was made an MLA, then a minister, and now the Chief Minister. I am happy to become CM, but sad that my elder brother, Arvind Kejriwal, will be resigning.” She added that the decision reflects Kejriwal’s trust in her and noted that the people of Delhi continue to support Kejriwal’s leadership.
In a pointed remark, Atishi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of conspiring to create difficulties for Kejriwal, citing the challenges he faced during his tenure. She affirmed that Kejriwal’s resignation was influenced by a desire to regain the people’s confidence following the controversy surrounding the Delhi liquor policy case, for which he was recently released from Tihar Jail.
Kejriwal’s Resignation and Call for Early Elections
Kejriwal’s resignation comes in the wake of his release from Tihar Jail, where he had been detained in connection with the liquor policy investigation. On Sunday, Kejriwal made his decision public, stating he would step down within 48 hours and calling for early elections in Delhi. Kejriwal emphasized that he would not return to office unless the people of Delhi offered him a “certificate of honesty.”
Over the past few days, the AAP leadership has been engaged in intense discussions to decide Kejriwal’s successor. The party’s top brass, including members of the political affairs committee, were consulted before Atishi’s name was announced. Other contenders for the position included Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, with Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal and Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel also being considered.
Atishi’s Political Journey and Rise to Power
Atishi’s rise within the AAP has been remarkable. A prominent figure in the Delhi government, she has handled critical portfolios, including Education, Power, and Public Works, making her a key architect of the city’s development initiatives. Her political journey began when she ran for East Delhi during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, though she lost to BJP’s Gautam Gambhir. She was later elected as MLA from the Kalkaji constituency in 2020, and became a cabinet minister following the arrests of Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain.
Atishi’s tenure has been marked by both achievements and controversies. The BJP has frequently criticized her, accusing Kejriwal of positioning her as a “puppet” to retain control of the administration. Additionally, her family’s alleged links to controversial figures like Afzal Guru and S.A.R. Geelani have fueled political attacks from opponents.
Despite these controversies, Atishi’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the AAP’s education and public service reforms, making her a popular figure among the party’s base.
Conclusion
As Delhi transitions to new leadership under Atishi, the AAP is set to face a critical period of political maneuvering. With Kejriwal stepping down but vowing to return through a mandate from the people, early elections could play a decisive role in determining the future of Delhi’s governance. For now, Atishi’s ascension marks a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape, one that could define the city’s direction for years to come.
