Atishi has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, marking her as the third woman to hold the position and the youngest CM of the Union Territory at 43 years old. The ceremony took place at Raj Niwas following the resignation of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, who plans to return only after being re-elected. Atishi, who previously managed multiple portfolios including finance and education, won her seat in the 2020 Assembly elections. Her cabinet includes four current ministers and a new member, Mukesh Ahlawat. Despite the significant achievement, Atishi’s tenure may be brief as the Delhi Assembly term ends in February. The political climate remains tense due to ongoing investigations against Kejriwal.
Atishi Sworn in as Delhi’s New Chief Minister
In a significant political shift, Atishi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 21, 2024. This makes her the third woman to hold this position, joining the ranks of former Chief Ministers Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj. Atishi, aged 43, has also made history by becoming the youngest Chief Minister of the National Capital Territory.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Raj Niwas, just days after Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation. Kejriwal expressed a desire to step back and regain his position only if re-elected by the people of Delhi. During the ceremony, five AAP ministers took their oaths, marking a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape.
Before officially taking charge, Atishi met with Kejriwal, along with key officials like the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Chief Secretary. Her term may be brief as the Delhi Assembly is set to conclude by the end of February 2025. However, despite the short tenure ahead, Atishi is now recognized as the 17th woman Chief Minister in India, following notable leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Sushma Swaraj.
Atishi comes to this role with a wealth of experience. Prior to her appointment, she managed 13 crucial portfolios, including finance and education, after her predecessor Manish Sisodia faced legal troubles. In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, Atishi won from the Kalkaji seat, having previously contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections against cricketer Gautam Gambhir.
Atishi, born in 1981, has an impressive academic background, having studied at Oxford University. She began her political career as a key member of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Manifesto Drafting Committee in 2013. Notably, she previously used the surname ‘Marlena,’ combining Marx and Lenin, but dropped it to focus on her political work.
As Atishi takes the helm, all eyes will be on her leadership and the impact of her policies in the coming months.
Tags: Atishi, Delhi Chief Minister, AAP, politics, Arvind Kejriwal, women leaders in India, Delhi Assembly, government news, political news
Who is Atishi?
Atishi is a politician from the Aam Aadmi Party and has recently taken over as the Chief Minister of Delhi after Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. She is known for her work in education and social welfare.
Why did Arvind Kejriwal resign?
Arvind Kejriwal resigned to focus on other political goals and to possibly make way for new leadership within the party.
How old is Atishi?
Atishi is currently the youngest Chief Minister of Delhi, but her exact age is not widely publicized.
What changes can we expect from Atishi as Chief Minister?
Atishi may focus on improving education, healthcare, and social services, continuing the work started by Kejriwal and aiming for new initiatives to benefit the people of Delhi.
What does this mean for Delhi’s politics?
Atishi’s appointment signals a new leadership style and perspective, which may bring fresh ideas and strategies to address the challenges Delhi faces in governance and public services.