Atishi, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi minister, is set to take her oath of office on September 21. The event will formalize her continued role in the Delhi government and further strengthen her position within the party.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has proposed September 21 for the swearing-in of Chief Minister-designate Atishi, following Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. Sources say that Kejriwal’s resignation letter has been forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu. However, the AAP legislature has not yet confirmed a date for the oath-taking ceremony.
Atishi to lead Delhi ahead of elections
Atishi, who was unanimously elected as the AAP legislature party leader, is set to become Delhi’s third woman chief minister. She assumed leadership after Kejriwal resigned in a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Atishi, a close ally of Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, has vowed to bring Kejriwal back as CM. She will be required to prove the majority of her government in the Delhi Assembly, with a session scheduled for September 26-27.
Focus on people's welfare
After staking claim to form the government, Atishi emphasised her commitment to protecting the interests of Delhi’s citizens. She also defended Kejriwal, calling the corruption allegations against him false, and criticised the central government’s agencies for unfairly targeting him.
Political reactions
The Delhi BJP and Congress have both criticised the AAP government. Delhi BJP President Virender Sachdeva dismissed the leadership change as ineffective, while Congress President Devender Yadav called for Atishi to address the city's pressing issues, especially those affecting women. The opposition parties view this political move as a tactic to deflect from the corruption charges AAP faces.
A new era for Delhi?
Atishi, credited for many of the AAP government's reforms, particularly in education, is expected to serve as chief minister until the Assembly elections early next year. Her leadership is seen as a continuation of Kejriwal’s vision while also positioning AAP for a renewed mandate from voters.
Also read | Swati Maliwal drops another bomb, claims Atishi's parents had links with SAR Geelani
