In a historic move, Atishi, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi on Saturday, making her the youngest individual to hold this esteemed position in the national capital. Her appointment follows the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal, who recently secured bail from the Supreme Court in connection with an alleged excise policy case.
#WATCH | AAP leader Atishi takes oath as Chief Minister of Delhi pic.twitter.com/R1iomGAaS9
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2024A New Era Begins
Atishi’s ascension to the role of Chief Minister is a significant moment for AAP and Delhi politics. During a meeting of AAP MLAs on September 17, she was unanimously chosen to lead the party. The oath of office was administered by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at a modest ceremony held at Raj Niwas in New Delhi. Alongside Atishi, her council of ministers, which includes experienced leaders such as Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Imran Hussain, and newcomer Mukesh Ahlawat, took their oaths as well.
Upon taking her oath, Atishi touched Kejriwal’s feet in a gesture of respect and sought his blessings, symbolizing the continuity of AAP’s leadership values.
The Transition of Power
Kejriwal’s resignation came after he submitted a letter to the Lieutenant Governor on Tuesday, following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant him bail. This move triggered a series of formal procedures, including the clearance of both his resignation and Atishi’s appointment by President Droupadi Murmu.
Despite the significance of the occasion, the swearing-in ceremony was understated, reflecting the somber mood within AAP due to the circumstances surrounding Kejriwal’s exit. The party is navigating a period of uncertainty, compounded by pending approvals and a tight timeline for preparation.
A Focus on Public Welfare
Atishi, who represents the Kalkaji constituency, is no stranger to challenges. Having previously held multiple portfolios in Kejriwal’s government, she has been instrumental in shaping Delhi’s education policies. Her experience in government positions and her work as an adviser in the education sector since joining AAP in 2013 have equipped her with the skills needed to tackle the immediate issues facing her administration.
In her first remarks as Chief Minister, Atishi acknowledged Kejriwal’s contributions to Delhi, particularly in healthcare and education. She expressed her commitment to continue his legacy, assuring the public that AAP would not allow any attempts by the BJP to undermine their work.
New Council of Ministers
The newly formed council of ministers includes a blend of seasoned politicians and fresh faces. Alongside Atishi, the cabinet features:
- Saurabh Bharadwaj: Previously served as a minister in Kejriwal’s government.
- Gopal Rai: Another experienced minister who has been part of AAP’s leadership.
- Kailash Gahlot: Known for his involvement in various portfolios.
- Imran Hussain: Continues to play a pivotal role in the cabinet.
- Mukesh Ahlawat: A first-time MLA from Sultanpur Majra, representing a new generation of leadership within AAP.
Challenges Ahead
Atishi now faces the immediate task of proving her government’s majority in the 70-member assembly during a special session scheduled for September 26-27. The pressure is on her administration to expedite the implementation of various public welfare schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, the Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, and the doorstep delivery of services.
With Delhi assembly elections looming early next year, the stakes are high for AAP. Atishi’s leadership will be crucial in retaining power and addressing the expectations of the electorate. The party aims to prioritize completing ongoing projects and fulfilling the promises made to the citizens of Delhi.
Kejriwal’s Future Role
In a statement following the transition, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai emphasized Kejriwal’s intention to “go to the people’s court.” The party is gearing up for a renewed campaign to reinstate him as Chief Minister, demonstrating their commitment to continue the work they started.
VIDEO | Atishi (@AtishiAAP) touched AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal's feet and sought blessings from him after taking oath as Delhi Chief Minister earlier today.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/Ubxr6P3h4i
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 21, 2024Opposition Response
Atishi’s appointment has drawn immediate scrutiny from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). MP Manoj Tiwari extended his congratulations but also raised concerns regarding the excise policy and the state of school infrastructure in Delhi. This opposition highlights the challenges Atishi will face not only in governance but also in managing public perception and addressing critiques from rival parties.
Conclusion
Atishi’s inauguration as Delhi’s youngest Chief Minister marks a pivotal moment for both her and AAP. As she embarks on this journey, the eyes of the nation will be on her administration to see how they navigate the complexities of governance while working to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Delhi. With a focus on public welfare and continuity in leadership, Atishi aims to solidify AAP’s position ahead of the upcoming elections, all while keeping the spirit of Arvind Kejriwal’s vision alive.
As she begins her tenure, the task at hand is clear: deliver results, maintain AAP’s legacy, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. The journey is just beginning for Atishi, and her leadership will be tested in the days to come.
Read More : Why Did Arvind Kejriwal Resign After 48 Hours? An In-Depth Look at the Excise Scam Controversy
