Atishi officially took charge as the Chief Minister of Delhi on Monday, marking a significant milestone as only the third woman to hold this esteemed position in the capital's history. In a poignant and symbolic gesture that resonated with political observers and citizens alike, she left the chief minister's chair deliberately unoccupied for her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, while she chose to sit beside it. This act was a clear demonstration of her respect and allegiance to Kejriwal, reflecting her commitment to his leadership and the principles he championed.
Atishi, at just 43 years old, has now etched her name in history as the youngest individual ever to assume the role of Chief Minister in Delhi. Drawing an evocative parallel to Bharat from the epic Ramayana, who governed in the absence of his elder brother, Lord Ram, Atishi articulated her determination to lead with a similar sense of duty and responsibility. "Today, I carry the same burden as Bharat did. Just as he placed Lord Ram’s sandals on the throne and ruled, I will govern Delhi for the next four months with the same spirit," she declared during her address, underscoring her dedication to serving the people of Delhi while expressing her belief that the citizens would once again elect Kejriwal in the upcoming February 2025 elections.
Sworn in alongside five cabinet ministers—four of whom were part of the previous ministry and one new face—Atishi retained 13 crucial portfolios, including education, revenue, finance, power, and public works, all vital sectors that influence the daily lives of Delhi’s residents. Her elevation to Chief Minister followed Kejriwal's resignation, necessitated by an interim bail order from the Supreme Court regarding the controversial excise policy case.
However, Atishi's choice to leave the chair empty sparked a wave of criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Delhi BJP. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva vehemently condemned her actions, labeling them a violation of constitutional norms and an insult to the dignity of the Chief Minister's office. In a statement filled with indignation, Sachdeva remarked, "Placing two chairs at the Chief Minister's desk is disrespectful to the Constitution, the rules, and the office of the Chief Minister. This is not an act of idealism, as Atishi claims, but blatant sycophancy in clear terms." He further criticized Atishi for undermining the dignity of the Chief Minister's position and for potentially alienating the sentiments of Delhi’s citizens with her behavior.
Atishi's brief tenure will be closely scrutinized as the Delhi Assembly elections draw near. Her ability to navigate the political landscape and address the pressing issues facing the capital will be crucial for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as they seek to maintain their hold on power. As she steps into this significant role, Atishi’s leadership style and decisions will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of governance in Delhi, especially as the AAP gears up for what promises to be a competitive electoral battle. The upcoming months will undoubtedly test her capabilities as a leader and her commitment to the values she espouses.
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