In a historic transition for Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi was sworn in as the new Chief Minister on Saturday, taking the reins from Arvind Kejriwal. The ceremony, presided over by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, marked a pivotal moment in Delhi's political landscape, as Atishi steps into the role during a crucial phase leading up to the 2025 elections.
Atishi's swearing-in was accompanied by the induction of a seasoned ministerial team, which includes Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Imran Hussain, and the newcomer Mukesh Ahlawat. The smooth leadership handover was finalized earlier this week when AAP lawmakers unanimously elected Atishi as the Chief Ministerial candidate during a party meeting on Tuesday.
This leadership change follows the sudden resignation of Arvind Kejriwal, who stepped down after securing bail from the Supreme Court in connection with the Delhi liquor policy corruption case. Kejriwal, in his resignation, hinted that he would only return to the top post if he was given a "certificate of honesty" by the voters in the upcoming assembly elections.
Atishi now faces the challenge of completing the current government's term, which runs until February 2025, while maintaining AAP’s momentum ahead of the elections. Her tenure, though brief, carries immense significance, with key welfare initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, the Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, and the much-anticipated doorstep delivery of services hanging in the balance. These are among the priorities she will need to fast-track before the assembly term concludes.
Addressing supporters after her swearing-in, Atishi expressed gratitude to Kejriwal for entrusting her with the role, while emphasizing her commitment to building on AAP’s legacy. “Arvind Kejriwal resigned because he wants a certificate of honesty from the people of Delhi. I do not think any politician in the world has done this. We must re-elect him as Chief Minister in February," Atishi stated passionately, calling for a decisive mandate in the upcoming elections.
She also took aim at the opposition BJP, warning that key AAP schemes like free electricity, water, and bus travel for women could be rolled back if the party came to power. Atishi stressed the importance of these initiatives, positioning herself as the defender of the people's welfare.
Atishi's rise to Delhi’s highest office marks a significant chapter in her political career. An Oxford-educated Rhodes Scholar, she has rapidly ascended from her advisory role in 2015 to becoming an MLA in 2020, and now, Chief Minister. She is particularly renowned for her transformative work in Delhi’s public education sector during her time as an advisor to former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
As the third woman to hold the position of Chief Minister in Delhi, after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit, Atishi’s tenure is expected to have a lasting impact. The focus now shifts to how she will navigate the political challenges ahead while ensuring that AAP remains poised for victory in 2025.