In a significant political development, the government has appointed Atishi as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, succeeding Arvind Kejriwal. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made this decision during a meeting with its legislators on Tuesday.
Arvind Kejriwal, who has been at the helm since 2015, decided to step down to focus on the upcoming elections and to clear his name in a corruption case. Kejriwal, a prominent figure in Indian politics and a fierce critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed his confidence in Atishi’s leadership and capabilities.
Who is Atishi
Atishi, 43, is a seasoned politician and a key member of the AAP. She has held multiple portfolios, including finance, education, and revenue, and has been instrumental in implementing several key policies in Delhi. Her appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the third woman to hold the office of Chief Minister in Delhi, following in the footsteps of Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj.
In her acceptance speech, Atishi expressed her gratitude towards Kejriwal and the party for their trust in her. “I come from an ordinary family. Had I been in any other party, perhaps I would not have been given even an election ticket. But Arvind Kejriwal trusted me, made me an MLA and a minister, and today, gave me the responsibility of the Chief Minister,” she said.
Atishi’s immediate focus will be on preparing for the state legislative assembly elections scheduled for February next year. She emphasized her commitment to continuing Kejriwal’s vision and working towards making him the Chief Minister once again. “I will work with just one goal. We have to make Arvind Kejriwal the Chief Minister of Delhi once again,” she stated3.
The transition comes at a crucial time for the AAP, as it gears up for the elections amidst various challenges. Atishi’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating the party through this period and ensuring its continued success in Delhi’s political landscape.
