Delhi May Get Atishi as Chief Minister After Kejriwal Steps Down

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi is likely to take oath as Chief Minister of Delhi on Saturday evening following the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal earlier in the week. Details of the swearing-in ceremony, scheduled to be held at Raj Niwas around 4:30 p.m., are yet to be confirmed but that would mark another new chapter in Delhi politics.

Kejriwal Resignation and the Lapse of Power
The political scene in Delhi has been taut since Tuesday after Arvind Kejriwal, who serves as the national convener for AAP, resigned as Chief Minister of Delhi. He was accompanied by his complete council of ministers in their resignation, which brings a lot of hype regarding the situation that will ultimately prevail over Delhi.

Kejriwal had quit just a week after his release from Tihar Jail, from which he was handed down to serve more than five months in connection with controversial excise policy case. In a surprise statement issued just hours after his release, Kejriwal expressed that it is the continuous allegations of corruption by the BJP that made him quit. He promised his supporters that he would revert to the office of the chief minister after taking a “certificate of honesty” in his hands from the people of Delhi in the upcoming assembly elections.

After his resignation, the AAP MLAs elected Atishi as the leader of the ruling legislature party in an in-camera meeting, thereby paving the way for her becoming the next Chief Minister of Delhi.

Will Atishi be the Answer to Delhi’s New Leadership?
The much-awaited moment is on for Aam Aadmi Party and the politics of Delhi, as it has focused its hope in Atishi for probable appointment as the Chief Minister. This important member of AAP and close confidant of Kejriwal has made a mark and earned a reputation for holding progressive ideas and dedication in improving the educational system of Delhi. Atishi has also been the former education minister who spearheaded reforms in the public education system which reaped great international recognition.

While her experience and credentials make her one of the strongest contenders for Chief Minister, there is something unusual in her being finally appointed. Kejriwal’s sudden resignation and the uncertainty surrounding when the swearing-in ceremony would take place created an atmosphere of tension within the party. According to AAP sources, the ceremony is likely to be low-profile since the somber mood prevailing in the party following Kejriwal’s exit and short notice given for finalizing arrangements for the event.

Swearing-In Ceremony and Official Formality
Formalities for Atishi’s oath as Chief Minister are still on the cards. Officials said that a process is underway of gazetting notification regarding Kejriwal’s resignation, forming a new government, and Atishi taking her oath, all of which are awaiting final approval by the President’s office.

Kejriwal resigned on Tuesday and sent the file to President Droupadi Murmu for her approval, suggesting his swearing-in should happen on September 21. This would mean that getting the approvals through was inordinately delayed, leaving little time for all preparations that were likely to result in a relatively modest ceremony on Saturday.

Although the official schedule of the event remains unverified, party insiders believe that the inauguration is going to take place at Raj Niwas with Atishi being sworn in by the Lieutenant Governor. Whether she is going to induct her newly announced Council of Ministers is not clarified yet.

New Council of Ministers
The new Atishi government will have some old faces from the outgoing Kejriwal administration and some fresh faces. The council of ministers comprises Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Imran Hussain-all of whom had already served in the Kejriwal government.

Besides, Mukesh Ahlawat, a first-time MLA from Sultanpur Majra, has been inducted as a new minister. The induction of Ahlawat is a fitting example of AAP’s approach toward new and experienced leadership.

This blend of experience and new leadership might be the survival formula for AAP in successfully crossing the hurdles before the forthcoming assembly elections and also the shadow of Kejriwal’s resignation.

The Future for Kejriwal and AAP
Kejriwal’s exit from the chief ministerial position is unlikely to be for good. During his resignation speech, he declared that he would return to that position once a mandate in favour of him was received from Delhi’s voters in the next polls. He attributed his resignation to the “mud-slinging” by BJP on allegations of corruption but exuded confidence that the people of Delhi would clear his name and re-elect him as Chief Minister.

All this will be put to the test as Atishi will now be tested as the face of the new front and party leadership. The dates for the assembly polls are approaching, and time, coupled with much effort in terms of sustaining the party’s momentum and crossing the gauntlet of opposition, is of the essence.
Her education reforms track, undergirded by the acumen of leadership makes her a strong aspirant for AAP to carry ahead of Kejriwal’s absence.

Conclusion: A Crucial Day in Delhi Politics
Atishi’s scheduled swearing-in as Delhi Chief Minister marks a milestone in the city’s political history. She is an AAP old war horse and a long-standing exponent of education reform. Her entry to the post of chief minister coincides with Kejriwal’s decision to step down temporarily, thus also marking continuity in the party.

While Kejriwal’s resignation has been described as controversial, Atishi might be just the kind of steady hand Delhi needs to look forward to with renewed strength and focus towards governance as next assembly elections approach. The road ahead is tough, but with her party and the people of Delhi behind her, Atishi might be the elixir that Delhi needs to move into a new era of progress and reform.

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