Atishi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi on Saturday, becoming the youngest and only the third woman to hold the position after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj. At 43, she also becomes one of only two current female chief ministers in India, alongside West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee.
Atishi, who represents Kalkaji, retained 13 key portfolios from her previous role in the Kejriwal government, including education, finance, and power. In a significant addition to her cabinet, Mukesh Ahlawat was sworn in as a minister, taking charge of labor, SC/ST affairs, and employment, while Gopal Rai retained his previous portfolios.
The change in leadership follows Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation, after the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in the excise policy case. During her inaugural speech, Atishi expressed deep admiration for Kejriwal, calling on the people of Delhi to re-elect him as their leader. “Arvind Kejriwal transformed the lives of Delhi’s people. Our mission now is to bring him back as Chief Minister,” she stated.
A video from the ceremony showed Atishi touching Kejriwal’s feet after taking the oath, highlighting her respect and gratitude for his leadership.
Atishi’s tenure is expected to be brief, with Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025. Nonetheless, her swearing-in marks a historic moment for Delhi, ushering in a new era of youthful leadership.
