New Delhi, Sept 17: Delhi Minister Atishi has been selected to become the next Chief Minister of Delhi after Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to resign from the position. The announcement followed Kejriwal’s meeting with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and was confirmed during a gathering of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators, who unanimously supported her appointment.
During the meeting of AAP MLAs on Tuesday , AAP leader Dilip Pandey suggested that Kejriwal choose his successor. Kejriwal proposed Atishi, and all MLAs backed her as the new leader of the legislative party.
Atishi, a Rhodes scholar and Oxford graduate, holds key portfolios such as Education and Public Works in the Delhi government. She played a pivotal role in reforming Delhi’s education system. The 43-year-old MLA from Kalkaji took over ministerial responsibilities after Manish Sisodia’s arrest in connection to the now-defunct liquor policy.
As Kejriwal and Sisodia faced legal challenges, Atishi emerged as a prominent party spokesperson. Her increasing stature was further highlighted when Kejriwal selected her to lead the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony, although the plan was later blocked by the Lieutenant Governor.
After her appointment, Atishi expressed her gratitude to Kejriwal, thanking him for entrusting her with the responsibility. She urged the people of Delhi to re-elect Kejriwal, calling him an “honest leader.”
Atishi’s elevation follows Kejriwal’s unexpected announcement two days earlier, where he declared his intention to step down as Chief Minister. Addressing party workers, Kejriwal said, “I will not return to the Chief Minister’s chair until the people of Delhi deliver their verdict.” He emphasized his intention to seek a mandate from voters before resuming his leadership.
Kejriwal’s resignation comes after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a corruption case related to the scrapped liquor policy, allowing him to be released from prison after six months. Kejriwal and Sisodia plan to campaign for public support ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, originally scheduled for February, though Kejriwal has requested they be held in November alongside Maharashtra’s elections.
