Atishi, her cabinet will take oath on September 21: AAP
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced on Thursday that Delhi Chief Minister-Designate Atishi and her cabinet will take the oath of office on September 21 (Saturday). Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena proposed the date on Wednesday. Notably, on Saturday, Atishi will become the third woman to become the CM of Delhi—after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dixit. Atishi will also join Mamata Banerjee as one of two currently serving female Chief Ministers in India.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This comes amid shifting landscape of Delhi's politics, just months before the assembly elections scheduled for February 2025. The AAP, facing growing accusations of financial mismanagement and deteriorating civic infrastructure, has been energized in recent weeks by the release of key figures, including party leader Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
Political ascent
Atishi's political journey and rise to power
Atishi, a cabinet minister in the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, is also the MLA from Kalkaji constituency. She began her political career through the India Against Corruption Movement in 2012. Known for her activism and educational work on social and ecological issues, she has played a significant role in the growth of the AAP. Her contributions include drafting the party's manifesto for the 2013 Assembly election and preparing the party organization for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
Power transition
Kejriwal's resignation
The announcement of Atishi as the new Chief Minister came after Kejriwal tendered his resignation. The former CM said he would return only when re-elected by Delhi's people. This decision followed Kejriwal's release from Tihar Jail on bail in the Delhi excise policy case. To recall, Kejriwal had been barred from entering the Chief Minister's office or signing files by the Supreme Court in its interim bail order.