Who kept Kejriwal's seat vacant? Atishi took over as chief minister
The office kept an empty chair for former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. "This chair belongs to Arvind Kejriwal, and I am sure that in the February elections, the people of Delhi will again elect him as their Chief Minister. AAP leader Atishi took charge as the eighth Chief Minister of Delhi on Monday. And said till then, this chair will remain in this office, on his return. Will be waiting." . Announcing that he will lead the government for four months, Atishi expressed hope that the people of Delhi will soon bring Arvind Kejriwal to power in the upcoming elections.
"Kejriwal has set an example of dignity and ethics in politics, the BJP has left no stone unturned to tarnish his image," said Atishi. He added, "Just as India will enthrone Lord Ram's 'Khadoon' to serve as the Chief Minister of Delhi for four months."
She is the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi after Sheila Dikshit of Congress and Sushma Swaraj of BJP. Atishi's tenure will be short-lived, as assembly elections in the capital are due in February.
Atishi was handling 13 departments. He retained his previous portfolios, handling 13 departments including education, finance, power and water. Saurabh Bharadwaj will oversee eight departments, namely health, urban development and social welfare, while Gopal Rai will handle two other departments as well as environment.
Atishi's administration faces significant challenges as it takes over months after the impasse caused by Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody in the excise policy case.
Saurabh Bharadwaj will oversee eight departments, namely health, urban development and social welfare, while Gopal Rai will handle two other departments as well as environment.
Kailash Gehlot has been given four portfolios including transport and women and child development (WCD), news agency ANI reported. Imran Hussain will head the Department of Food Supply and Elections, and the new cabinet member Mukesh Ahlawat will take charge of five departments, including SC/ST Welfare and Labour. The new cabinet led by Atishi has a long list of pending projects, schemes and new initiatives to be rolled out in the next few months ahead of polls in Delhi in February next year.
Atishi was sworn in as Delhi Chief Minister on Saturday, succeeding Arvind Kejriwal, who resigned on Tuesday.
The Atishi government's tenure will be short-lived as assembly elections in Delhi are due in February next year. Atishi, 43, was elected as the legislative party leader on Tuesday before Kejriwal handed over his resignation letter to Lt. Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
