Atishi takes charge as Delhi CM; vows to work like Lord Ram’s brother Bharat in absence of Kejriwal

Atishi on Monday took charge as Delhi’s eighth Chief Minister ahead of key polls in national capital. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader also pledged to serve the state for four months like Lord Ram’s brother Bharat in the absence of former CM Arvind Kejriwal.

She was sworn-in to lead the national capital on Saturday.

“I will work for four months as the chief minister of Delhi like Bharat did by keeping Lord Ram’s Khadaun on the throne. Arvind Kejriwal has set an example of dignity in politics by stepping down. The BJP left no stone unturned to tarnish his image, “she said.

The 43-year-old CM sat on a different chair, leaving the one used by Kejriwal empty.

“Hope people will bring back Kejriwal in February polls, his chair will remain in the CM office until then,” she said.

Leitenant General VK Saxena administered oath of Atishi alongside her new team of Ministers which includes veterans Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Imran Hussain and a fresh face, Mukesh Ahlawat. Kejriwal resigned just days after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in a corruption case concerning the Delhi liquor policy scam.With Assembly elections in Delhi scheduled for February next year, Kejriwal stated, “he would return as Chief Minister only if voters give him a ‘certificate of honesty.'”

In his brief but a critical tenure as Chief Minister, Atishi will have several responsibilities. Her government will need to expedite pending welfare schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, and doorstep delivery of services.

Who is Atishi?

Atishi, an Oxford University graduate and Rhodes scholar, will become the third woman to hold the position of Chief Minister of Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.

Atishi’s political journey has been rapid, starting as an adviser in 2015 and becoming an MLA in 2020 before ascending to Chief Minister in 2024. She is recognized for her significant contributions to improving education in Delhi’s government schools during her advisory role to former Education Minister Manish Sisodia.