On Saturday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi took the oath of office as the new Chief Minister of Delhi at Raj Niwas, marking a significant leadership change. She was accompanied by key AAP leaders, including Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Imran Hussain, and Mukesh Ahlawat, who were also sworn in as ministers in Atishi’s cabinet.
Atishi, aged 43, becomes the third woman to serve as Chief Minister of Delhi, following in the footsteps of political stalwarts Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit. As a key figure within AAP, Atishi has been instrumental in transforming the capital’s education system during her tenure as advisor to former Education Minister Manish Sisodia.
Reflecting on her new role, Atishi expressed gratitude for the trust shown by outgoing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal but also voiced sadness over his resignation. She committed to working diligently to bring Kejriwal back to power in the upcoming assembly elections.
Following his swearing-in, AAP MLA Mukesh Ahlawat acknowledged the contributions of Arvind Kejriwal and Baba Saheb in empowering leaders from Dalit and backward communities. He emphasized his focus on serving marginalized groups.
Meanwhile, senior AAP leader Kailash Gahlot reaffirmed the party’s commitment to continue Kejriwal’s legacy, underlining that the party’s sole aim remains serving the people of Delhi.
Representing the Kalkaji constituency, Atishi currently holds the most portfolios in the Delhi government. Having joined the Delhi cabinet in March 2023, she is now poised to lead AAP as the party gears up for the forthcoming elections.
Atishi’s parents, Tripta Wahi and Vijay Singh, were in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony, adding a personal touch to the historic moment at Raj Niwas.