Delhi Minister Atishi to Become Next CM, Kejriwal Steps Down as CM

Delhi Education and Public Works Department Minister Atishi is all set to become the new Chief Minister of Delhi, after Arvind Kejriwal resigned from the post. Kejriwal who announced that he would resign to Chief Minister’s post met Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and submitted the resignation letter.

During a meeting Kejriwal proposed Atishi’s name and all the MLAs agreed to it and accepted the decision. And she was elected as the leader of the legislature party.

Atishi, an Oxford University alumnus and Rhodes Scholar, has played a pivotal role in the Delhi government, focusing significantly on improving the education sector. The 43-year-old MLA from Kalkaji took on a ministerial role after the arrest of Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister, in connection with an alleged corruption scandal related to the now-defunct Delhi liquor policy.

During the time when both Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were in custody, Atishi became the party’s voice, representing AAP’s stance at various events and in media interactions. Her growing prominence within the party was evident when, on August 15, Kejriwal selected her to raise the national flag at Delhi’s Independence Day event. Although the move was blocked by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, it highlighted the deep trust the AAP leadership placed in her.

Following the announcement, Atishi expressed her gratitude to Kejriwal, acknowledging him as her mentor. She urged Delhiites to re-elect Kejriwal, saying, “He is an honest leader, and I appeal to everyone to support him once again as Chief Minister.”

Atishi’s rise comes shortly after Kejriwal made a surprising declaration of his intent to resign from the Chief Minister’s post. Speaking to party workers, Kejriwal stated, “I will step down in two days. I won’t resume the role until the people give their verdict. Delhi’s elections are coming soon, and I will await the people’s decision before returning to office.”

This announcement followed a significant Supreme Court ruling that granted bail to Kejriwal in a corruption case linked to the same liquor policy, leading to his release after six months in custody. While the Assembly elections in Delhi are expected in February, Kejriwal has called for them to be held earlier, alongside Maharashtra’s elections in November. Both he and Sisodia have pledged to seek the public’s mandate before considering their return to leadership.