Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj were sworn in as ministers in the Delhi cabinet on Thursday.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Auditorium at Raj Niwas, Delhi. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath to newly inducted ministers.
Atishi will handle education, PWD, power and tourism departments, while Bharadwaj will look after health, urban development, water and industries.
Following the resignations of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and minister Satyendar Jain, both currently in Tihar jail in alleged corruption and money laundering cases, respectively, two Cabinet berths had fallen vacant.
Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on 26 February in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. He is in judicial custody till March 20. Jain, who is also in judicial custody, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a case of alleged money laundering on May 30 last year.
Delhi Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted in Hindi: “Many congratulations and best wishes to Atishi ji and Saurabh ji on assuming the new responsibilities. You both have to take forward the good work of Manish ji and Satyendra ji. People have high expectations from both of you.”
Bharadwaj replied: “Sir, we are your disciples. Manish ji and Jain saab are our elder brothers. The Centre conspired to put them in jail. They will come out soon and take care of their work. Thank you very much for the responsibility you have given us in this difficult time. Their work will not stop, Delhi’s work will not stop.”
Atishi has been an MLA of the AAP since 2020 and has been associated with the party since its inception. Atishi represents the Kalkaji constituency and has been a key member of Sisodia’s education team.
Bharadwaj has been an MLA of the AAP since 2013 and is currently the vice-chairman of the Delhi Jal Board. He was a minister during the brief first term of the Kejriwal government in 2013.
