NEW DELHI โ In a major political development, Arvind Kejriwal has entrusted Atishi with the responsibility of becoming the next Chief Minister of Delhi, marking a significant moment in the capitalโs political landscape. The decision came after a meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislative party, where it was decided that Atishi would succeed Kejriwal.
Delhi Minister and senior AAP leader Gopal Rai confirmed that Kejriwal would visit the Lieutenant Governor at 4:30 PM to tender his resignation, after which the party would formally stake its claim to form the new government. This leadership change occurred amidst a cloud of controversy surrounding Kejriwalโs resignation, which he chose in response to corruption allegations.
Atishi, a key figure behind Delhiโs educational reforms, addressed the media for the first time after being elected as the leader of the AAP legislative party. She began by expressing deep gratitude to Kejriwal, describing him as her mentor. โFirst of all, I would like to thank the popular CM of Delhi, AAP national convener, and my guru, Arvind Kejriwal. He has given me a huge responsibility and placed his trust in me. Only in AAP, under Arvind Kejriwalโs leadership, can a first-time politician become the CM of a state,โ she said.
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Atishiโs emotional speech underscored her personal and political connection to Kejriwal. โI am happy but also sad because my elder brother, Arvind Kejriwal, is resigning today. On behalf of all AAP MLAs and the 2 crore people of Delhi, I want to say there is only one CM of Delhi, and that is Arvind Kejriwal,โ she remarked.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Atishi pledged to continue Kejriwalโs legacy and ensure the partyโs welfare programs stay intact. โThe BJP and the Lieutenant Governor want to end free electricity, quality government schools, mohalla clinics, and free bus travel for women. None of the services provided to the people of Delhi will be stopped,โ she asserted.
She also vowed to fight back against the alleged conspiracy targeting Kejriwal, stating, โArvind Kejriwal has been falsely accused of corruption and has chosen the path of an ordeal to prove his innocence. The path Arvind Kejriwal has taken is an example not only for the country but also for the world.โ
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Atishiโs leadership, though newly minted, is already aimed at a larger goal. She pledged that her priority was to work under Kejriwalโs guidance and ensure his eventual return to the Chief Ministerโs post. โI will work for the next few months towards the goal of bringing back Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister,โ she said, highlighting her commitment to both the partyโs values and Kejriwalโs leadership.
Her elevation as Delhiโs Chief Minister-designate has garnered both excitement and apprehension, as supporters eagerly anticipate her approach to leadership in key areas like education, healthcare, and public services, while critics question the continuity of governance amidst Kejriwalโs departure.
As Delhi embarks on this new chapter under Atishiโs leadership, the cityโs political dynamics will be closely watched.
