Following the defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi has resigned from her position after 142 days. Appointed as CM after Arvind Kejriwal's imprisonment, Atishi has now submitted her resignation to Lt. Governor VK Saxena following the electoral loss. She will continue to serve as the caretaker CM until a new government is formed. Significantly, Atishi is among the few AAP leaders who managed to retain her seat amid the BJP's strong performance.
Self-Styled as Interim Chief Minister
When Atishi was appointed CM of Delhi, she was visibly emotional. On the evening of September 21, 2024, she took the oath, expressing that although she had assumed the role, it was an emotional moment since Arvind Kejriwal wasn't the Chief Minister. Throughout her tenure, Atishi maintained that she was the interim CM, even keeping a chair empty in the CM's office for Kejriwal. Kejriwal had also stated during the campaign that if AAP wins, he would come back as CM. Atishi echoed this sentiment to assure the public of Kejriwal's impending return.
Possible Role as Opposition Leader
Post-results, the political climate has shifted. While Kejriwal lost, Atishi retained her seat from Kalkaji. Although she couldn't celebrate her victory as her party faced defeat alongside most top leaders, Atishi stands as a prominent contender for the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. With her strong advocacy against the BJP, her candidacy for this role is compelling. Previously a party spokesperson, she has played a crucial part and, as a female leader, her influence might further grow.
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Increased Status Post-Victory
An interesting point is that aside from Arvind Kejriwal, leaders like Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Satyendar Jain, and Somnath Bharti faced defeat. Those who preserved their seats, like Atishi, have seen their stature within AAP rise significantly. Previously working as an alternative to Kejriwal, Atishi now carries increased responsibilities since major leaders did not secure assembly seats. With the resulting burdens, she is poised to play a crucial role in implementing the forthcoming government's decisions as a leading opposition figure.
Source: aajtak
'Holding the BJP Accountable'
Atishi's victory gives her a pivotal opportunity as she becomes AAP's most prominent face in Delhi post-election. Clear signs after meetings with newly elected legislators indicate Atishi's newfound prominence. She emphasized Kejriwal's call for MLAs to work diligently in their constituencies, stressing the opposition's duty to ensure the BJP fulfills public promises expeditiously.
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Atishi affirmed that the Aam Aadmi Party will play its role as the opposition in implementing welfare schemes, particularly for economic support to Delhi's women. She stated the BJP's victory involved unruly tactics but acknowledged the mandate and ongoing internal discussions over the defeat.
