In a major political shift, Atishi was appointed as Delhi’s chief minister by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday. Her nomination comes after Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation, with Atishi stating her sole focus is to ensure Kejriwal returns as CM after the upcoming elections.
Kejriwal’s Return as CM: Atishi’s Main Goal
Atishi expressed her commitment to AAP’s mission, saying, “The people of Delhi and I will work tirelessly to make Arvind Kejriwal the chief minister again.” She emphasized that Kejriwal remains the true leader of Delhi, and the upcoming elections will prove his innocence and restore public trust in him.
Delhi Assembly Elections in 2025
The next assembly elections in Delhi are likely to be held in February 2025. However, Kejriwal has requested the elections be held alongside Maharashtra’s elections in November 2024.
BJP’s Criticism of Atishi’s Appointment
The BJP has raised concerns, accusing Atishi of being a “puppet CM” under Kejriwal’s control. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized AAP, suggesting that Kejriwal still holds power behind the scenes.
New Cabinet to Be Announced Soon
Atishi’s cabinet will likely include familiar faces from Kejriwal’s tenure, with potential new additions. Reports suggest that Kondli MLA Kuldeep Kumar may be appointed as a Dalit representative in the cabinet.
Continuing AAP’s Welfare Schemes
Atishi assured the public that AAP’s key initiatives, such as free education, healthcare, and transportation for women, will remain intact under her leadership. She warned that without Kejriwal, these programs could be at risk of being discontinued.
Security Upgrades for Atishi and Kejriwal
Atishi is expected to receive Z-category security following her appointment. Meanwhile, Kejriwal’s security cover will also be reassessed based on his threat perception.