Atishi Leaves the CM’s ‘Throne’ Empty for Kejriwal: Sits on Another Chair, Says – I Will Serve Like Bharat and Wait for My Elder Brother
Atishi, the new Chief Minister of Delhi, took charge on Monday (September 23). She arrived at the CM office at 12 PM and completed the formalities. During this time, Atishi left one chair in the CM office empty and sat on another chair.
Atishi remarked, “Just like Bharat took over the throne of Ayodhya after Lord Ram’s exile, I will take over the chair of Delhi’s Chief Minister. After four months, the people of Delhi will place Kejriwal back on this chair. Until then, this chair will remain in this room, waiting for Kejriwal Ji.”
Commenting on Atishi’s statement, Delhi BJP District President Virendra Sachdeva said, “Through this act, Atishi has insulted the dignity of the Chief Minister’s post and hurt the sentiments of the people of Delhi. This is not an ideal, it is plain flattery. Is Kejriwal saying the government will run via remote control?”
After being released on bail in the Delhi Liquor Policy case on September 13, Kejriwal resigned from the CM post on September 17. On September 21, Atishi became the new Chief Minister of Delhi, and on September 23, she took the oath with five ministers.
Atishi Becomes Delhi’s New CM on September 21, Bows at Kejriwal’s Feet After Oath
On Saturday, Atishi took the oath as the 9th Chief Minister of Delhi. Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena administered her oath at Raj Niwas. After the ceremony, Atishi bowed at the feet of Arvind Kejriwal.
Atishi, at 43 years old, is Delhi’s youngest Chief Minister. Previously, Kejriwal became CM at the age of 45. After Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit, Atishi is the third female Chief Minister of Delhi.
Atishi has retained 13 portfolios, including Education, PWD, and Finance. Additionally, Saurabh Bharadwaj has been assigned the responsibility of 8 major departments, including Health. Atishi has served as an MLA from the Kalkaji seat three times.
Kejriwal Submits Resignation to Lieutenant Governor on September 17
On the evening of September 17, Kejriwal submitted his resignation from the Chief Minister’s post to Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena. Atishi and four other ministers were present with him. Following this, Atishi staked a claim to form the new government.
Afterward, Atishi stated, “Until the next election, I have only two jobs. First, to protect the people of Delhi from BJP’s conspiracies, and second, to ensure Kejriwal becomes the Chief Minister once again.”
Why Did Kejriwal Resign? 3 Key Reasons
He Is Chief Minister, But Without Power: Arvind Kejriwal was released on bail after 177 days in jail in the Delhi Liquor Policy case. The Supreme Court imposed a condition that he cannot go to the CM office or sign any files. This means, even though he is out of jail and still the Chief Minister, he no longer holds any real power.
Only 5 Months Left in Office: The term of the Delhi Legislative Assembly is ending in February 2025, leaving only five months until the elections. During this period, governments typically make popular election-related decisions. However, Kejriwal is restricted by the court’s conditions. With sympathy on his side after his release from jail, Kejriwal is likely to demand elections in Delhi a few months earlier to take advantage of this situation.
Strengthening His Image as an Honest Leader: Since his name surfaced and he was arrested in the Delhi Liquor Policy case, BJP leaders have been demanding Kejriwal’s removal from the Chief Minister’s post. By resigning, Kejriwal can directly respond to these BJP leaders, saying that he stepped down because of the allegations. Now, it will be up to the people to decide on his honesty.
Kejriwal Released from Jail After 177 Days in Liquor Policy Case on September 13
On March 21, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Kejriwal from his home after a two-hour interrogation in the liquor policy case. After spending 177 days in jail, the Supreme Court granted him bail on September 13, 2024.
