Delhi minister Atishi is set to take over as the new Chief Minister following the sudden resignation of Arvind Kejriwal, marking a pivotal shift in the capital’s political landscape.
Kejriwal stepped down after a meeting with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, leaving the position to his trusted lieutenant and long-time ally, Atishi.
The decision was formalized during a meeting of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators, where party leader Dilip Pandey proposed that Kejriwal select his successor.
When Kejriwal suggested Atishi’s name, it was unanimously accepted by all AAP MLAs, and Atishi was officially elected as the leader of the legislature party.Atishi, a prominent leader of AAP and an MLA from Kalkaji, has been a key figure in Delhi’s governance.
She holds significant portfolios, including Education and Public Works, and has been instrumental in the party’s flagship initiative to reform the education system in the national capital.
A Rhodes scholar and Oxford University alumnus, Atishi’s rise to the top post marks the beginning of a new chapter for Delhi, especially as the state heads toward its upcoming assembly elections in February 2025.
The Shocking Resignation of Arvind Kejriwal
On September 2024, Kejriwal, who had been functioning as the Chief Minister while in custody, announced his resignation shortly after being granted bail in a corruption case linked to Delhi’s now-scrapped liquor policy.
His unexpected move is seen as a calculated attempt to mobilize public sentiment ahead of the upcoming Delhi elections.
At a gathering of party workers, Kejriwal declared, “I will not sit on that chair till the people announce their verdict. Elections in Delhi are months away.
I got justice from the legal court; now I will get justice from the people’s court.” His decision to step down was not just a personal resolution but a bold political gamble.
By resigning from his position, Kejriwal appears to have set the stage for a direct confrontation with the BJP, challenging its dominance in national politics.
A Strategic Move?
Kejriwal’s resignation came at a time when he was already leading from behind bars, having been arrested in a high-profile corruption case.
The case, related to irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy, saw Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, embroiled in legal battles.
While Kejriwal has maintained his innocence, his arrest had put the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the back foot.
However, Kejriwal’s exit from prison, coupled with his sudden resignation, is being viewed as a masterstroke to shift the narrative.
The timing is crucial, with Delhi assembly polls due in February 2025.
By stepping down, Kejriwal is attempting to turn the upcoming election into a referendum on his leadership and integrity, portraying himself as a martyr wronged by the system and positioning himself for a comeback.
This move also throws down the gauntlet to the BJP, positioning the Delhi elections as a battleground between the central ruling party and AAP’s local governance model.
The Rise of Atishi: Delhi’s New Leader
As Kejriwal steps down, all eyes turn to his successor, Atishi, who has been elected as the new Chief Minister.
The decision to elevate Atishi was made during a meeting of AAP legislators, where the party’s national convenor, Kejriwal himself, proposed her name.
The move was expected, given Atishi’s rising prominence within the party and her growing stature as a capable leader.
Atishi, an MLA from Kalkaji and an Oxford University alumnus, has held key portfolios in the Delhi government, including education and public works.
She is known for her significant contributions to the overhaul of Delhi’s education system, a flagship initiative of AAP.
Her work in improving government schools and introducing innovative educational reforms has won her widespread admiration.
She also stepped into the political spotlight after Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy CM, was arrested in the same corruption case as Kejriwal.
In a statement following her appointment, Atishi expressed gratitude to her mentor, stating, “Arvind Kejriwal has trusted me and given me this responsibility.
I appeal to all people of Delhi to make your son, your brother Arvind Kejriwal the Chief Minister again because he is honest.”
This statement underlines her role as a placeholder for Kejriwal, signaling that his return to power remains the ultimate goal for the party.
Atishi’s Credentials: A Capable Successor
Atishi’s rise to the top post is a testament to her ability to navigate Delhi’s complex political landscape. She has been a prominent face of AAP’s governance model, particularly in the field of education.
Her tenure as Delhi’s Education Minister saw the introduction of several transformative measures aimed at revamping the public education system, including improved infrastructure, innovative curricula, and enhanced teacher training programs.
Her expertise extends beyond education. Atishi also played a pivotal role in the Delhi government’s Public Works Department, focusing on urban development and infrastructure projects.
She is seen as a capable leader who can steer Delhi through its next phase of development while maintaining the core values of the AAP.
Her elevation to the CM’s post is also symbolic. At a time when Delhi is grappling with political uncertainty, Atishi represents continuity and stability.
Her ability to articulate the party’s vision and engage with the public on key issues, especially during Kejriwal and Sisodia’s absence, makes her a natural choice for leadership.
However, her role as CM could also be seen as a caretaker position until Kejriwal makes his political comeback.
Chronology of Events Leading to Kejriwal’s Arrest
The political drama in Delhi began in early 2024 when allegations of corruption surrounding the Delhi government’s liquor policy surfaced.
The now-scrapped policy, introduced by AAP, was intended to revamp the liquor trade in the capital but soon became mired in controversy. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were accused of financial irregularities, leading to their arrests.
Kejriwal’s detention, however, did not prevent him from functioning as the CM. Throughout his time in custody, Kejriwal continued to hold sway over party affairs, with Atishi and other senior leaders managing the day-to-day governance of Delhi.
His arrest became a rallying point for AAP, with the party framing it as a politically motivated move by the BJP-led central government.
The case against Kejriwal eventually reached the Supreme Court, which granted him bail in September 2024, six months after his arrest.
With his release, Kejriwal wasted no time in making his next political move—resigning from his position and calling for early elections.
Delhi’s Political Future: What Lies Ahead?
As Delhi braces for its assembly elections in February 2025, the political landscape has been dramatically altered by Kejriwal’s resignation and Atishi’s rise.
Kejriwal’s demand for early elections in November, alongside the Maharashtra polls, reflects his confidence in winning the public’s trust and returning to power.
For the AAP, the months ahead will be crucial in shaping its electoral strategy. Atishi, though now CM, will have to navigate a delicate balance between continuing AAP’s governance model and preparing for Kejriwal’s return.
The party’s ability to position itself as the voice of the people and present a united front against the BJP will be key to its success.
Meanwhile, for the BJP, Kejriwal’s resignation offers an opportunity to intensify its campaign in Delhi, capitalizing on the corruption charges to discredit AAP’s leadership.
However, with Atishi’s strong track record and Kejriwal’s calculated political gamble, the Delhi elections are poised to be a high-stakes battle that could have far-reaching implications for both local and national politics.
The resignation of Arvind Kejriwal and the rise of Atishi as Delhi’s new Chief Minister mark a pivotal moment in the capital’s political history.
As the AAP gears up for the upcoming elections, the political tug of war between the BJP and AAP will dominate headlines.
With Kejriwal positioning himself as the people’s choice and Atishi leading the charge in governance, Delhi’s political future hangs in the balance.
The months ahead promise to be eventful, as voters will decide the fate of the capital’s leadership in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested election.
