Atishi takes charge as Delhi Chief Minister, leaves Kejriwal’s chair vacant

| Updated: 23 September, 2024 4:31 pm IST

NEW DELHI: As a newly appointed and youngest chief minister of Delhi, Atishi was officially sworn in on Saturday and assumed her duties today on Monday. In a symbolic gesture, she chose not to occupy the chair previously held by Arvind Kejriwal, leaving it vacant as a tribute to his political dignity.

During her first address as Chief Minister, Atishi wrote on X, “I will work for four months as the Chief Minister of Delhi like Bharat did by keeping Lord Ram’s Khadaun (wooden slipper) on the throne.” She expressed her emotions on social media, comparing her sentiments to Bharat’s responsibility when Lord Ram went into exile.

आज मैंने दिल्ली के मुख्यमंत्री की ज़िम्मेदारी सँभाली है। आज मेरे मन में वो ही व्यथा है जो भरत के मन में थी जब उनके बड़े भाई भगवान श्री राम 14 साल के वनवास पर गए थे, और भरत जी को अयोध्या का शासन सँभालना पड़ा था। जैसे भरत ने 14 साल भगवान श्री राम की खड़ाऊँ रख कर अयोध्या का शासन… pic.twitter.com/OkNEgtYIq4

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) September 23, 2024

Atishi emphasised her hope for Kejriwal’s return in the February elections, stating, “Hope people will bring back Kejriwal…his chair will remain in the Chief Minister’s office till then.” This move underscores her commitment to continuity and the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) agenda.

However, the gesture drew swift criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which labeled it as mere “drama.” Amit Malviya, the party’s IT cell chief, wrote on X, “Atishi is the Manmohan Singh of the Delhi government; the real Chief Minister is Arvind Kejriwal.” He accused her of making a mockery of the constitution with her actions.

दिल्ली में ये ड्रामा बंद होना चाहिए। आज आतिशी मार्लेना ने अपनी मुख्यमंत्री की कुर्सी के बगल में एक खाली कुर्सी रखकर पदभार संभाला।

यानी आतिशी दिल्ली सरकार की मनमोहन सिंह हैं और असली मुख्यमंत्री अरविंद केजरीवाल, जिसे सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने फाइल साइन करना तो दूर, दिल्ली सचिवालय जाने से… pic.twitter.com/HKy2xPpu0u

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 23, 2024

Atishi’s rise follows Kejriwal’s resignation on September 15, shortly after receiving bail in an excise policy case. He announced he would only resume office after earning a “certificate of honesty” from Delhi’s citizens in the upcoming assembly polls.

Atishi is the third woman to hold the position of Delhi’s CM, Atishi aims to build on Kejriwal’s legacy of free services such as electricity and water. She reiterated the need for public support to ensure these programs continue, accusing the BJP of trying to disrupt the benefits enjoyed by Delhi residents.