Atishi to retain 4 ministers in Cabinet, introduce Dalit face
Atishi is set to take over as Delhi Chief Minister on Friday following Arvind Kejriwal's resignation. According to reports, four ministers from the previous government will retain their posts. These include Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kailash Gahlot, Gopal Rai, and Imran Hussain. Dalit leader Mukesh Ahlawat is also expected to be sworn in as a minister in Atishi's cabinet.
Why does this story matter?
This comes amid shifting landscape of Delhi's politics, just months before the assembly elections scheduled for February 2025. The AAP, facing growing accusations of financial mismanagement and deteriorating civic infrastructure, has been energized in recent weeks by the release of key figures, including party leader Kejriwal and former deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
Ahlawat to fill vacancy in Atishi's cabinet
Ahlawat has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by social welfare minister Raaj Kumar Anand's resignation. This leaves one ministerial post in Atishi's cabinet vacant. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) confirmed that all ministers, including Atishi, will take their oaths on September 21 (Friday). "Atishi will take oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 21, other ministers will also take their oaths alongside her," it said in a statement.
Atishi's political journey and rise to power
Atishi, a cabinet minister in the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, is also the MLA from Kalkaji constituency. She began her political career through the India Against Corruption Movement in 2012. Known for her activism and educational work on social and ecological issues, she has played a significant role in the growth of the AAP. Her contributions include drafting the party's manifesto for the 2013 Assembly election and preparing the party organization for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
Kejriwal's resignation
The announcement of Atishi as the new Chief Minister came after Kejriwal tendered his resignation. The former CM said he would return only when re-elected by Delhi's people. This decision followed Kejriwal's release from Tihar Jail on bail in the Delhi excise policy case. To recall, Kejriwal had been barred from entering the Chief Minister's office or signing files by the Supreme Court in its interim bail order.
