New Delhi: AAP MLA and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was appointed as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly on Sunday during the party’s legislative meeting, making history as the first woman to hold this position in the national capital. Her appointment also marks the first time that both the Chief Minister and the LoP in Delhi are women, with Atishi facing off against BJP’s Rekha Gupta.
Atishi, who succeeded Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi’s Chief Minister in September 2024, was the youngest to assume the role and held several key portfolios in the previous AAP government, including Education, Power, Water, PWD, and Services. She was also the only female minister in the Cabinet.
Announcing the decision, AAP MLA Gopal Rai stated that the party had unanimously chosen Atishi as the Leader of Opposition. He highlighted her leadership during challenging times and affirmed that AAP would serve as a responsible and strong Opposition, ensuring the BJP fulfils its promises.
Expressing her gratitude, Atishi thanked AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and the party’s legislative members for their trust. She emphasised that the role of a strong Opposition is to voice the concerns of the people and hold the ruling party accountable. She vowed that AAP would ensure the BJP delivers on all commitments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other party leaders.
Atishi particularly stressed her commitment to advocating for women’s welfare, reminding the new government of its pledge to provide Rs 2,500 to women. She assured that AAP would work tirelessly to see this promise fulfilled.
The appointment comes in the wake of the BJP’s resounding victory in the Delhi Assembly elections held on February 5, where the party secured 48 out of 70 seats, ending a 27-year wait to return to power in the capital. AAP, which had governed Delhi for nearly a decade, won 22 seats, while the Congress failed to secure any.
With Atishi now leading the Opposition, Delhi’s political landscape enters a new phase, setting the stage for a dynamic confrontation between the AAP and the BJP-led government.
With IANS inputs