Atishi Takes Oath as Delhi’s 8th Chief Minister
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi has officially taken oath as the 8th Chief Minister of Delhi at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the capital’s political landscape.
Historic Appointment
With her appointment, Atishi has etched herself into history as the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi and also the youngest to hold this position. This new government formation by AAP signifies their continued dominance in Delhi politics, as this marks the fourth consecutive term for the party.
The Cabinet Formation
Alongside Atishi, several prominent leaders have been appointed to the newly formed cabinet, including:
- Gopal Rai
- Kailash Gehlot
- Saurabh Bhardwaj
- Imran Hussain
- Mukesh Ahlawat (Sultanpur Majra MLA)
Notably, Rai, Gehlot, Bhardwaj, and Hussain had previously served as ministers in the outgoing government led by Arvind Kejriwal.
Recognizing a Trailblazer
Atishi becomes the 17th woman Chief Minister in India’s history, symbolizing a significant advancement in women’s representation in the political framework of the country. Her appointment resonates with the ongoing efforts to empower women in leadership roles across various sectors.
Transition of Power
Before Atishi’s swearing-in, officials from the Lieutenant Governor’s office announced that President Draupadi Murmu had appointed Atishi as the Chief Minister of Delhi effective from the date of the ceremony and had also accepted the resignation of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
New Ministerial Appointments
The President has also sanctioned the appointments of the five ministers that will serve alongside Atishi, solidifying the leadership team aimed at addressing the urgent issues facing Delhi.
Simple Ceremony Amidst Tension
The swearing-in ceremony was described as a straightforward event. According to an AAP leader, the party atmosphere was subdued due to Kejriwal’s resignation, and preparations were constrained by time, stemming from delays in receiving the necessary approvals.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chief Minister | Atishi |
| Minister | Gopal Rai |
| Minister | Kailash Gehlot |
| Minister | Saurabh Bhardwaj |
| Minister | Imran Hussain |
| Minister | Mukesh Ahlawat |
