New Delhi: Atishi Marlena was officially sworn in today as the Chief Minister of Delhi, becoming the youngest leader ever to hold the position. The 42-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and education reformist took the oath of office in a ceremony at Raj Niwas, which was attended by senior political figures and party leaders. Atishi replaces Arvind Kejriwal, who stepped down from the role earlier this week.
Alongside Atishi’s swearing-in, several key ministers from the previous government retained their positions. Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, and Kailash Gahlot took the oath once again as ministers in the new government. Imran Hussain also retained his position, while Sultanpur Majra MLA Mukesh Ahlawat became the new face in the cabinet. Despite the reshuffle, the core leadership remains strong as Delhi gears up for its next assembly elections.
Atishi’s government is expected to serve a short term, as assembly elections are scheduled for February next year. Her appointment as the leader of the legislature party took place on Tuesday, just before Kejriwal officially submitted his resignation to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
As a former minister in Kejriwal’s Cabinet, Atishi was entrusted with 14 key portfolios, including finance, education, and revenue, especially during Kejriwal’s imprisonment in a corruption case.
Arvind Kejriwal announced his decision to resign on Sunday, days after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in connection with the CBI’s investigation into the Delhi excise policy case. During a public address, Kejriwal expressed his intent to step down until a fresh mandate from the people.
“I will not sit on the CM chair until the public gives its verdict. I will go to every house and street, and only return as Chief Minister if the people elect me,” he declared. He urged the public to cast their votes based on their trust in his integrity.
Kejriwal also demanded that elections in Delhi be advanced to November, coinciding with Maharashtra’s elections, rather than waiting until February. This request aims to expedite the public’s decision on the leadership of Delhi.
दिल्ली में नई सरकार गठन का शपथ ग्रहण कार्यक्रम। LIVE https://t.co/wsY3l5BTQ0
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) September 21, 2024
