Following the electoral defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi has resigned from her position after 142 days. Atishi was appointed as Chief Minister in September after party convenor Arvind Kejriwal was incarcerated. Following the election loss, she submitted her resignation to the Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Sunday. However, she will continue to serve as the caretaker CM until a new government is formed. Remarkably, Atishi is among the few senior AAP leaders who managed to retain her seat amid the BJP's sweeping success.
Portraying Herself as an Acting CM
When Atishi was appointed as Delhi's CM, she was quite emotional. On the evening of September 21, 2024, upon taking the oath, she remarked that she had indeed sworn in as the CM, but it was a poignant moment for everyone since Arvind Kejriwal wasn’t the CM. Throughout her tenure, Atishi positioned herself as an acting CM, leaving a seat vacant for Kejriwal in the CM office. Kejriwal had also made it clear during elections that if the AAP formed the government in Delhi, he would take the role of CM. Atishi consistently affirmed this point to send a clear message to the public.
Potential Leader of Opposition?
Following the results, the political landscape has shifted similarly. Kejriwal's electoral loss contrasted with Atishi retaining her seat. Even though she won in Kalkaji, she couldn't truly celebrate due to the broader defeats within her party. In the Delhi Assembly, apart from Atishi, the senior AAP leaders able to contest for Leader of Opposition are Gopal Rai and Imran Hussain. Given her previous role as CM and her persistent opposition to the BJP, Atishi's likelihood of becoming the Leader of Opposition seems strong. As a female leader and former party spokesperson, she holds significant experience.
Also Read: 10 Years of AAP in Delhi: Kejriwal’s Decisions That Dimmed Brand AK
Increased Influence Within AAP Post-Victory
Another crucial aspect is that alongside Atishi, senior AAP leaders such as Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Satyendra Jain, and Somnath Bharti have lost elections. Leaders retaining their seats may see their influence grow within the party, with Atishi emerging as the prominent figure. While serving as CM, she was seen as an alternative to Kejriwal. However, with leaders like Kejriwal and Sisodia absent from the Assembly, Atishi will assume greater responsibilities. As the opposing party leader, she will significantly contribute to implementing the upcoming government decisions.
Source: aajtak
‘Holding BJP Accountable’
Atishi’s electoral victory could prove advantageous as she becomes the principal face of AAP in Delhi, following the win. Post-election, Atishi’s status as the top name in AAP has been confirmed, especially after Arvind Kejriwal’s meeting with the newly elected legislators. She emphasized that following the meeting, Kejriwal instructed all legislators to work diligently in their respective areas. As the opposition, AAP is committed to holding the upcoming BJP government accountable to ensure the promises made to the public are promptly fulfilled.
Also Read: Kejriwal Cut Tickets for 20 Legislators… Witness AAP’s Performance on These Seats
Atishi stated that the Aam Aadmi Party, as the opposition, will ensure the implementation of welfare schemes, including economic assistance for Delhi women. Despite BJP winning by dubious means, AAP acknowledges Delhi’s mandate, and introspection continues within the party to address the defeat.
