New Delhi: In a significant political shake-up, Atishi has been announced as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, marking a historic moment as the second woman to hold the post after the late Sheila Dikshit. The decision came following a legislative party meeting earlier today, chaired by Arvind Kejriwal at his residence. Kejriwal’s long-time confidante, Atishi, was proposed as his successor, setting the stage for a crucial transition within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Kejriwal’s Resignation: A Promise to Restore Public Trust
Arvind Kejriwal is expected to tender his resignation later today and meet with Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at 4:30 PM. The dramatic move comes just days after his release from Tihar Jail, where he was held for his alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor policy case. Upon his release on September 13, Kejriwal made a bold public statement, promising to resign as Chief Minister within 48 hours. He emphasized his desire for early elections in the capital, vowing not to return to power unless the public gave him a “certificate of honesty.”
AAP’s Internal Deliberations: Preparing for a New Era
On Monday, the AAP leadership, including members of its political affairs committee, gathered for a series of meetings at Kejriwal’s official residence. During these discussions, Kejriwal personally sought feedback on his successor, paving the way for Atishi’s nomination. Her rise to the Chief Minister’s office signals a significant shift within the party’s leadership, as AAP prepares for potential early elections.
Atishi’s Political Journey: From Setbacks to Success
Atishi, who holds a reputation for her education reforms in Delhi, has had a rollercoaster political career. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she contested from East Delhi as the AAP candidate but faced a crushing defeat to BJP’s Gautam Gambhir by a margin of 4.77 lakh votes. However, her resilience shone through in the 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections when she successfully contested from the Kalkaji constituency, defeating BJP’s Dharambir Singh by 11,422 votes.
Following the resignations of key leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyender Jain, Atishi was inducted into Kejriwal’s cabinet as a Minister. Her leadership and ability to navigate challenges have made her a prominent face in AAP, culminating in her recent elevation to the Chief Minister’s post.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi?
As Atishi prepares to take the reins of the Delhi government, the political landscape in the capital is bound to see significant changes. With Kejriwal advocating for early elections, Atishi will be tasked with maintaining AAP’s stronghold in Delhi while addressing pressing issues like the fallout from the liquor policy controversy.
The road ahead is filled with challenges, but Atishi’s ascension marks a new chapter for both her and the Aam Aadmi Party as they strive to regain public trust and solidify their leadership in the capital.
