Delhi Minister Atishi has been named as the new Chief Minister of Delhi following Arvind Kejriwal's resignation, marking a pivotal moment for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Atishi, a first-time politician, expressed her gratitude towards Kejriwal, referring to him as both a mentor and an elder brother, and vowed to uphold his legacy until the upcoming assembly elections.
During a press conference earlier today, Atishi reflected on her political journey, stating, "It can happen only in AAP that a first-time politician can become the CM." She credited Kejriwal for placing immense trust in her, recounting how he had supported her rise from MLA to minister, and now, to the position of Chief Minister.
"I come from a normal family. If I were in any other party, I wouldn’t have even got a poll ticket. However, Arvind Kejriwal trusted me," she remarked.
Atishi, however, balanced her sense of responsibility with a note of sadness, expressing her sorrow over Kejriwal's resignation. "I am happy that Arvind Kejriwal has shown so much trust in me, but more than that I am sad because my elder brother Arvind Kejriwal is resigning today," she said. Reiterating her loyalty, she added, "On behalf of AAP MLAs and two crore people of Delhi, I want to say that Delhi has only one CM, and his name is Arvind Kejriwal."
Addressing the future, Atishi affirmed her temporary role as CM, stating that she would serve in the position until the upcoming assembly elections. "Our main goal is to make Kejriwal ji the Chief Minister again," she emphasised, appealing to both the AAP MLAs and the public to support Kejriwal's return to leadership.
Kejriwal’s resignation has come as a surprise to many, but Atishi’s elevation received unanimous support within the party. Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot, speaking after the AAP legislative meeting on Tuesday, confirmed that the decision to elect Atishi as the leader was agreed upon by all party members. "Everyone unanimously agreed to the name of Atishi," Gahlot said, dismissing opposition claims that she would be a "dummy CM."
Atishi is expected to be sworn in later today, following the formal resignation of Arvind Kejriwal to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.