LG VK Saxena proposes September 21 swearing-in of CM-designate Atishi
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has proposed September 21 as the date for the swearing-in of Chief Minister-designate Atishi. The proposal was made to President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday, following outgoing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's resignation a day earlier. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has not yet suggested a date for the oath-taking ceremony.
Kejriwal's resignation and Atishi's claim to form government
On Tuesday evening, Kejriwal officially resigned from his position as the Chief Minister of Delhi. This came four days after his release on bail in the liquor policy case. Kejriwal met with Lieutenant Governor Saxena at his residence to tender his resignation and recommend colleague Atishi for the role. Accompanying him was his former deputy Manish Sisodia, who was also implicated in the same case and is currently out on bail.
Atishi vows to defend AAP
Following her nomination on Tuesday, Atishi expressed her commitment to the people of Delhi and the AAP. She pledged to work toward ensuring victory in the upcoming Delhi election and facilitating Kejriwal's return to power. "Delhi has only one Chief Minister...and that is Kejriwal," she stated. The senior AAP leader also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of pursuing "fake charges" against Kejriwal, vowing to defend her party against such "conspiracies."
Atishi's unanimous selection
Atishi was unanimously selected as the leader of AAP's legislative party earlier a day before, positioning her to replace Kejriwal until the next Assembly election in February. However, Kejriwal has called for an early election, possibly as soon as next month. Atishi is a senior AAP leader and currently serves as Delhi's Education and Public Works Minister. Her appointment makes her the third woman to hold the position of Chief Minister in Delhi's history.
Sanjay Singh says Kejriwal will vacate official residence
Meanwhile, Kejriwal will vacate his official residence in Civil Lines, New Delhi within a week, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said. He said, "Kejriwal has decided that he will vacate his house...There are concerns over his security...there have been several attacks on him." "We tried to make him understand...this house was necessary from a security point of view. However, he decided that God will protect him," Singh told news agency PTI.
