In Short
- Atishi only the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi
- She will retain 13 portfolios she held in the Arvind Kejriwal government
- Delhi Assembly elections are slated to take place in February 2025
AAP leader Atishi officially assumed the role of Delhi Chief Minister today, placing an empty chair beside her own to signify her continued allegiance to Arvind Kejriwal. Speaking to the media after taking charge of the office, Atishi drew parallels between her situation and the story of Bharat from the Ramayana, who ruled in Lord Ram’s absence by placing his sandals on the throne.
“Today, I carry the same burden as Bharat did. Just as he placed Lord Ram’s sandals on the throne and ruled, I will govern Delhi for the next four months with the same spirit,” she said.
Atishi stated that the people of Delhi would soon bring Arvind Kejriwal to power in the upcoming elections.
“This chair belongs to Arvind Kejriwal, and I am certain that in the February elections, the people of Delhi will once again elect him as their Chief Minister. Until then, this chair will remain in this office, waiting for him to return,” she added.
Atishi was sworn in as the eighth and the only third woman chief minister, after Congress’ Sheila Dikshit and BJP’s Sushma Swaraj, of Delhi on Saturday. Five cabinet ministers — four from the previous ministry and a new face — were also sworn in along with her.