Atishi to be Delhi's new CM, name proposed by Kejriwal
What's the story
Delhi minister Atishi is set to assume the role of Chief Minister following Arvind Kejriwal's resignation after his meeting with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Tuesday, reports said. The decision was made during a meeting of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, reports added. A formal announcement by the AAP is likely soon.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Notably, this development comes as Delhi prepares for assembly elections in February. Kejriwal has called for the elections to be held in November, alongside Maharashtra's. Both he and former Deputy Manish Sisodia have expressed their intent to seek public support, stating that they will not return to their positions of power until the people deliver their verdict.
Party meeting
Atishi unanimously selected by MLAs
According to the NDTV, at a meeting of AAP MLAs on Tuesday party leader Dilip Pandey suggested that Kejriwal should choose the next Chief Minister candidate. When the AAP national convener put forward Atishi's name, all MLAs stood in agreement, unanimously accepting the proposal. Consequently, Atishi was elected as the leader of the legislature party, the NDTV added.
Details
Ministries under Atishi
Atishi currently manages key departments in the Delhi government, including education and the Public Works Department. A Rhodes scholar and Oxford alumnus, she played a major role in the AAP's efforts to revamp Delhi's schools. Representing Kalkaji as an MLA, the 43-year-old became a minister after Sisodia's arrest over a corruption case tied to the now-defunct liquor policy.
Details
SC grants Kejriwal interim bail
To recall, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo had announced his decision to step down on Sunday, two days after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in a corruption case related to Delhi's excise policy. Kejriwal walked out of Tihar Jail on Friday, over six months after his arrest in the case.