In a significant shift in Delhi's political landscape, Atishi was sworn in as the 8th Chief Minister of Delhi on Saturday, following Arvind Kejriwal's resignation. Atishi, a prominent leader in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is only the third woman to hold this position in Delhi, following the legacy of the late Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj. However, what's drawing widespread attention is the empty chair she left beside her own, symbolizing her belief that the position truly belongs to Arvind Kejriwal.

Atishi, a first-time legislator representing Kalkaji, took charge of the office amidst growing political pressure and media scrutiny. Known for her role in managing AAP's operations during Kejriwal's stint in jail over the excise policy case, she is seen as a key figure in the party. Her appointment came after Kejriwal, who remains deeply popular, proposed her name for the position, trusting her leadership while he navigates legal challenges.

Interestingly, Atishi has likened her situation to that of Bharat from the Ramayana, who ruled Ayodhya by keeping Lord Ram’s khadaun on the throne during his exile. In a heartfelt statement, she remarked, "Today I have the same pain in my heart as Bharat ji had...I will work as the Chief Minister for the next 4 months, but this chair belongs to Arvind Kejriwal." Her comparison underscores her temporary stewardship, reinforcing her belief that Kejriwal will return to lead Delhi after the upcoming elections in February.

In her first press briefing, Atishi addressed the continued political battle with BJP, accusing the party of tarnishing Kejriwal's image through legal and political maneuvers. She pointed to Kejriwal's six-month imprisonment, which she claims was politically motivated, as an example of the BJP's efforts to discredit him. "The BJP has left no stone unturned to throw mud on Arvind Kejriwal ji...But the people of Delhi will make him CM again," she said, expressing confidence that the upcoming elections will restore Kejriwal to power.

Atishi Retains Key Portfolios

Atishi has retained control of the 13 major portfolios she previously held in the Kejriwal government, including critical areas such as education, finance, power, public works department (PWD), and revenue. These portfolios are crucial as the AAP government prepares to launch new initiatives and complete ongoing projects ahead of the Delhi elections in February.

The newly sworn-in Delhi cabinet under Atishi features familiar faces like Gopal Rai, who continues to oversee environment-related portfolios. Saurabh Bharadwaj takes charge of health and urban development, and Imran Hussain retains his role in managing food supply and election duties. A fresh addition to the cabinet, Mukesh Ahlawat, will handle labor, employment, and SC/ST issues.

Atishi's cabinet faces a series of challenges, including addressing Delhi’s pollution crisis, enhancing infrastructure development, and expanding educational initiatives. With just four months until the elections, the new government is under pressure to deliver visible results to ensure electoral success. Atishi's leadership will be under close watch as she seeks to carry forward the legacy of Arvind Kejriwal, who has been a transformative figure in Delhi politics.

Political and Symbolic Moves

Atishi’s rise to power comes at a critical time, with Delhi's political climate highly charged. The symbolic decision to leave Kejriwal’s chair empty highlights the reverence she and the AAP leadership hold for their former Chief Minister, who continues to wield significant influence despite his legal challenges. This gesture, coupled with her Bharat analogy, has sparked discussions about loyalty, leadership, and the potential return of Kejriwal to the top post.

Beyond the symbolism, Atishi has made it clear that she intends to govern effectively in her limited time as CM. The AAP government has a series of pending projects to complete, with key initiatives expected to roll out in the coming months. These include the continuation of educational reforms, development of public infrastructure, and strategies to address Delhi’s pollution issues.

With elections on the horizon, Atishi’s leadership will be pivotal in maintaining AAP's popularity in Delhi. Her ability to manage the responsibilities of her office while navigating political pressures will determine whether the party can secure another term under Kejriwal’s leadership.

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