Atishi Takes Charge As Delhi CM, Keeps Empty Chair For Kejriwal In Office

Atishi is Delhi's third woman chief minister, following Sheila Dikshit of Congress and Sushma Swaraj of the BJP.

AAP leader Atishi took charge as the eighth chief minister of Delhi on Monday. She kept an empty chair for former Delhi CM and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal in her office. "This chair belongs to Arvind Kejriwal, and I am certain that in the February elections, the people of Delhi will once again elect him as their Chief Minister. Until then, this chair will remain in this office, waiting for him to return," she said.

Announcing that she will run the government for four months, Atishi expressed hope that the people of Delhi would soon bring Arvind Kejriwal to power in the upcoming elections.

"Kejriwal has set example of dignity and morality in politics, BJP left no stone unturned to tarnish his image," Atishi said. She added, "Will work as CM of Delhi for four months like Bharat did by placing Lord Ram's 'khadaun' on throne."

She is Delhi's third woman chief minister, following Sheila Dikshit of Congress and Sushma Swaraj of the BJP. Atishi's tenure will be brief, as assembly elections in the capital are due in February.

Atishi Handling 13 Departments

She retained her earlier portfolios, managing 13 departments, including Education, Finance, Power, and Water. Saurabh Bharadwaj will oversee eight departments, notably Health, Urban Development, and Social Welfare, while Gopal Rai will continue to handle Environment, alongside two other departments.

Atishi's administration faces significant challenges as it takes charge following months of stagnation caused by Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody in the excise policy case. 

Saurabh Bharadwaj will oversee eight departments, notably Health, Urban Development, and Social Welfare, while Gopal Rai will continue to handle Environment, alongside two other departments.

Kailash Gehlot has been assigned four departments, including Transport and Women and Child Development (WCD), news agency ANI reported. Imran Hussain will head the Food Supply and Election departments, while new Cabinet member Mukesh Ahlawat will take charge of five departments, including SC/ST Welfare and Labour.