Atishi becomes Delhi's 1st woman Leader of Opposition
What's the story
In a historic first, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly.
The decision was taken during an AAP legislative meeting, where MLA Sanjeev Jha proposed her for the role.
Atishi will now take on Rekha Gupta, the newly appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister.
Gratitude expressed
Atishi expresses gratitude, pledges to fulfill BJP's promises
Responding to her appointment, Atishi thanked AAP's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, and the Legislative Party for their faith.
She said, "A strong Opposition raises the voice of the people. The Aam Aadmi Party will fulfill all the promises made by BJP."
All AAP MLAs unanimously agreed upon this decision during their legislative meeting.
Election results
BJP returns to power, AAP secures 22 seats
The BJP returned to power in Delhi after a 27-year-long hiatus, winning 48 out of 70 seats in the February 5 elections.
The AAP could only win 22 seats while the Congress failed to open its account.
Despite her party's massive defeat, Atishi managed to retain her Kalkaji constituency seat against BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri.
Leadership change
Atishi's appointment follows top AAP leaders' election defeat
Notably, Atishi's appointment as Leader of Opposition comes after top AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, lost their seats in the recent elections.
Kejriwal congratulated Atishi on social media, adding that the AAP will play a constructive opposition role for the people of Delhi.
The first session of the new Delhi Assembly is scheduled to begin on February 24 and will last for three days.