Arvind Kejriwal Resigns as Chief Minister, Atishi to Take Over

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has stepped down as the Chief Minister of Delhi, submitting his resignation to Lt Governor VK Saxena. Kejriwal’s decision came after recent political developments, and Atishi, a senior AAP leader and minister, has been selected by the party to succeed him.
At a meeting with AAP legislators, Kejriwal proposed Atishi’s name, which was unanimously accepted by all present. Following her selection, Atishi met with Lt Governor Saxena to formally stake her claim to the Chief Minister’s post.
Addressing the media after her meeting, Atishi remarked, “This is the first time in history that a Chief Minister steps down, asserting that the verdict of the people matters more than the court’s decision. The people of Delhi still see Arvind Kejriwal as their rightful leader, and they will bring him back in the next elections.”
Atishi, a key figure in AAP since its inception and a trusted aide of Kejriwal, is set to take her oath in a special Assembly session on September 26-27. There will be no Deputy Chief Minister, and Atishi, who represents Kalkaji constituency, will manage a broad array of portfolios, including education, finance, and public works.
Delhi Minister Gopal Rai praised Atishi’s appointment, noting the challenges AAP faces from “misuse of agencies aimed at destabilizing the government.” He said Atishi has the dual responsibility of serving the two crore citizens of Delhi while countering the political opposition.
Atishi’s rise comes as a pivotal moment in Delhi’s political landscape. Known for her academic background as an Oxford graduate and a Rhodes Scholar, Atishi has been instrumental in improving Delhi’s education system. She gained prominence as the party’s public face during the AAP leadership’s legal challenges and Kejriwal’s arrest in the liquor policy case.
Atishi’s immediate task will be to lead AAP into the upcoming Assembly elections, expected in February next year, and continue the party’s focus on governance and development for the people of Delhi.

Source: India Today