Atishi becomes Chief Minister, honors Arvind Kejriwal with grand gesture.
Atishi, 43, has taken charge as the Chief Minister, promising to lead the government for the next four months until the upcoming elections. In a symbolic gesture, she vowed to govern just as “Bharat ruled with Lord Ram’s ‘khadaun’ (sandals) on the throne,” signifying that she will follow the leadership and principles of Arvind Kejriwal in his absence. Atishi emphasized her commitment to continuing Kejriwal’s policies and governance model, ensuring a smooth transition during this interim period. Her leadership comes at a crucial time as the state prepares for elections, with Atishi focused on maintaining stability and progress.
New Delhi: In a significant political development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi officially took charge as the eighth Chief Minister of Delhi today, following the resignation of her predecessor and party leader Arvind Kejriwal. Atishi, 43, steps into the role at a pivotal time, with just four months left until the upcoming elections. During her swearing-in, Atishi made a symbolic reference to the Hindu epic Ramayana, drawing a comparison between her situation and that of Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram, who ruled the kingdom while Ram was in exile.
“My situation is like that of Bharat, when Lord Shri Ram went into exile, and Bharat had to govern in his absence,” Atishi remarked, emphasizing her role as a caretaker chief minister during this interim period. She further vowed to run the government for the next four months, just as “Bharat ruled with Lord Ram’s ‘khadaun’ (sandals) on the throne,” underscoring her commitment to following in the footsteps of Kejriwal, whom she called her guiding force.
In a symbolic gesture after assuming office, Atishi placed an empty chair next to hers, signifying the continued presence and influence of Arvind Kejriwal, who remains the party’s face and leader despite his resignation. “This chair belongs to Arvind Kejriwal. I am confident that the people of Delhi will reinstate him after four months,” she stated, expressing her faith in the electoral process and the people’s support for Kejriwal’s leadership.
Atishi was sworn in alongside her cabinet members on Saturday, marking the beginning of her tenure as Chief Minister. The core team retained key members from Kejriwal’s government, ensuring continuity in governance during this transition period. Notably, Atishi herself is overseeing several crucial departments that have been instrumental in the AAP’s governance model, including education, finance, power, and public works department (PWD). In total, she manages a substantial 13 portfolios, reflecting her experience and the trust placed in her by the party.
Saurabh Bharadwaj, a senior AAP leader who has been a key figure in the Delhi government, was also sworn in the same day. He holds eight important portfolios, continuing his role in driving policy decisions in areas such as health, water, and urban development. The presence of experienced leaders like Bharadwaj and Atishi at the helm ensures that the Delhi government will continue its focus on delivering public services efficiently, despite the upcoming elections.
In addition to seasoned politicians, the new cabinet includes a newcomer, Mukesh Ahlawat, who has been entrusted with departments such as labour, SC/ST welfare, and employment. His induction into the cabinet reflects AAP’s efforts to bring in fresh leadership to address critical social and economic issues affecting marginalized communities. Gopal Rai, another senior figure within the party, continues to hold his roles in development, environment, and general administration. His focus remains on implementing sustainable policies that address Delhi’s pressing environmental challenges while fostering growth.
Atishi’s elevation to Chief Minister marks a significant moment in her political career. Known for her strong advocacy for education reform and her role in shaping Delhi’s successful government school model, Atishi has been a key figure in the AAP since its early days. Her leadership in areas such as education and public finance has earned her a reputation as a diligent and effective policymaker. As Chief Minister, she faces the challenge of leading Delhi through a critical period while maintaining the reforms and policies introduced by Kejriwal’s government.
Looking ahead, Atishi’s interim government will focus on maintaining stability and continuing AAP’s flagship programs, particularly in health, education, and infrastructure development. Her leadership is expected to prioritize the needs of the people, ensuring that essential services continue uninterrupted during this transitional phase. The AAP’s focus remains on serving the people of Delhi, with Atishi acting as a caretaker until the voters decide the next government in the upcoming elections.
Atishi’s rise to the Chief Minister’s office is not only a testament to her political acumen but also a reflection of the AAP’s commitment to progressive governance and its belief in collective leadership. As the election approaches, the coming months will be crucial for both Atishi and the AAP as they work to secure the confidence of the people and prepare for a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape.