AAP leader Atishi is set to be sworn in as the youngest Chief Minister of Delhi on Saturday, along with five MLAs who will join her in the new council of ministers. The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for 4:30 pm, will be a low-key event held at the Raj Bhavan.
Joining Atishi in the new Delhi Cabinet are AAP veterans Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Imran Hussain. Additionally, the Cabinet will see a new face in Mukesh Ahlawat, a first-time MLA from Sultanpur Majra and AAP’s prominent Dalit leader.
There is speculation about potential changes in the allocation of portfolios within the new council. In the previous Kejriwal administration, Atishi managed 13 significant portfolios, including finance, revenue, PWD, power, and education.
Atishi to Take Oath as Delhi Chief Minister
Delhi’s chief minister-designate Atishi is set to take the oath of office along with five Cabinet ministers at Raj Niwas on Saturday. This follows President’s approval of Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation, clearing the path for Atishi to assume leadership, according to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) officials.
“The proposal to appoint Atishi as CM and five new ministers was sent to the Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) office on Thursday, which was promptly forwarded to the President the same day. The oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on Saturday,” an official familiar with the process stated.
The ceremony is expected to begin at 4:30 PM, with LG VK Saxena administering the oath to Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Imran Hussain, and new entrant Mukesh Ahlawat. Ahlawat is anticipated to manage the portfolios previously held by Raaj Kumar Anand, as per AAP sources.
Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal Set to Resign as Delhi Chief Minister
Atishi Named Chief Minister Designate as Kejriwal Resigns
Atishi has been unanimously selected as the Chief Minister designate during the AAP legislature party meeting held on Tuesday, following Arvind Kejriwal’s unexpected resignation, which created a stir in Delhi’s political scene.
Kejriwal’s decision came shortly after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a corruption case linked to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.
With Delhi Assembly elections set for February next year, Kejriwal stated that he would only resume the role of Chief Minister if voters grant him a “certificate of honesty.”
Also Read: FIR Filed After Firecrackers Burst Outside Arvind Kejriwal’s Residence
About Atishi
Atishi, an Oxford University alumna and Rhodes scholar, is set to become Delhi’s third woman Chief Minister, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.
Her journey within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been remarkable. Starting as an adviser in 2015, Atishi became an MLA in 2020, and now, in 2024, she ascends to the role of Chief Minister. She first gained recognition for her significant contributions to improving Delhi’s government schools while working alongside former Education Minister Manish Sisodia.
As Chief Minister, She faces a challenging path ahead. She will need to strengthen the party for the upcoming elections and expedite key initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, and the doorstep delivery of services.
Also Read: Supreme Court Grants Bail to Arvind Kejriwal with 5 Key Conditions
FAQs
Q.1. Who is Atishi, and what is her background?
Ans. She is an Oxford alumna and Rhodes scholar who has played a key role in transforming Delhi’s education system. She is set to become Delhi’s youngest Chief Minister.
Q.2. When is Atishi’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister of Delhi?
Ans. Her swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 PM at Raj Bhavan, where she will take the oath alongside five other MLAs.
Q.3. Who are the other ministers joining Atishi’s Cabinet?
Ans. The new Cabinet includes AAP veterans Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Imran Hussain, and newcomer Mukesh Ahlawat, a Dalit leader and first-time MLA.
Q.4. What are Atishi’s priorities as the new Chief Minister of Delhi?
Ans. She aims to prepare the AAP for upcoming elections and expedite key welfare schemes like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, and doorstep delivery services.
Q.5. Why did Arvind Kejriwal resign as Delhi’s Chief Minister?
Ans. Arvind Kejriwal resigned following his bail approval by the Supreme Court in a corruption case. He stated he would only return as CM if re-elected by voters in the upcoming elections.
