Atishi has officially taken over as the Chief Minister of Delhi, succeeding Arvind Kejriwal, who resigned earlier this week following his release on bail in connection with a high-profile liquor policy case. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Raj Niwas on Saturday, marked a significant moment not just for Atishi, but for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as well, as she became the eighth individual to hold this esteemed position in the capital. Alongside her, five cabinet ministers were also sworn in, including four from the previous cabinet and a new appointee, Mukesh Ahlawat, signifying a blend of continuity and change in the governance structure.
Atishi's newly formed cabinet features key figures integral to the AAP's administration: Gopal Rai will oversee departments related to the environment, development, and general administration; Saurabh Bharadwaj will manage health, tourism, urban development, and additional portfolios; Kailash Gahlot has been tasked with responsibilities encompassing transport, home affairs, and women and child development; and Imran Hussain will oversee the food and supplies department. Mukesh Ahlawat’s inclusion is expected to address the gaps left by the recent resignation of minister Raaj Kumar Anand, who departed from his post in April.
In achieving this milestone, Atishi has made history as the 17th woman to become a chief minister in India and as Delhi’s third woman chief minister, alongside being the youngest at the age of 43. Her journey to this position has been marked by significant achievements; she previously held 13 portfolios in the outgoing government, covering critical areas like finance, revenue, public works, power, and education. This breadth of experience within the administration underscores her readiness to lead the city during this pivotal time.
Atishi's rise in prominence coincided with a challenging period for the AAP, particularly during Kejriwal’s time in Tihar Jail, where he spent over five months embroiled in legal issues surrounding the controversial excise policy. Following his release on September 13, Kejriwal announced his resignation in a surprising turn of events, emphasizing that he would only consider returning to office after obtaining a "certificate of honesty" from the electorate in the forthcoming assembly elections.
In a swift move, the AAP legislative party rallied behind Atishi, electing her as the new Chief Minister—a proposal that received strong support from Kejriwal himself. However, Atishi’s tenure is anticipated to be short-lived, as the assembly elections are slated for February next year, meaning she will need to act quickly to implement her agenda and maintain stability within the party.
During this interim period, the AAP is focusing on advancing pending initiatives and ensuring that the groundwork is laid for Kejriwal to return to power with a stronger mandate. Atishi and senior party leaders have emphasized the importance of continued progress and unity within the party as they approach the elections.
While Atishi enjoys the backing of her party, she also faces criticism from opposition leaders, particularly from the BJP. Critics have labeled her as part of a "corrupt" administration, questioning her ability to lead independently. They have expressed skepticism regarding her role, suggesting that she may merely function as a "rubber stamp" for Kejriwal, who many perceive as the de facto leader of the party despite her new title.
As Atishi embarks on this new journey, the political landscape in Delhi remains dynamic, with all eyes on how she navigates the myriad challenges ahead. Her leadership style, policy decisions, and ability to connect with the electorate will be scrutinized closely as she strives to steer the AAP through this transitional phase leading up to the elections, ultimately shaping the future of governance in Delhi.
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