Atishi assumes CM’s role, keeps seat vacant for Kejriwal at office

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi took charge as Chief Minister at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday, leaving the chair used by her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal vacant. This gesture was criticised by the BJP and Congress, who called it a “grave insult” to the post.

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Draws parallel to Bharat’s rule in Ayodhya

Today I have taken over the responsibility of the CM of Delhi. I feel the same pain in my heart that Bharat felt when his elder brother, Lord Rama, went into exile for 14 years, and Bharat had to take charge of Ayodhya. — Atishi, Chief minister

Drawing a parallel to Bharat’s rule in Ayodhya with Lord Rama’s ‘khadaun’, CM Atishi pledged to govern Delhi for the next four months while Kejriwal’s empty chair symbolises his anticipated return. Expressing confidence in Kejriwal’s comeback, she voiced her belief that the people of Delhi would re-elect him as their leader.

Atishi (43) sat in a white chair next to the red one used by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.

On X, Atishi wrote, “Today I have taken over the responsibility of the Chief Minister of Delhi. I feel the same pain in my heart that Bharat felt when his elder brother, Lord Rama, went into exile for 14 years, and Bharat had to take charge of Ayodhya. Just as Bharat ruled Ayodhya by keeping Lord Rama’s sandals as a symbol, I will govern Delhi for the next four months.”

She continued, “Lord Rama lived in exile for 14 years to honour a promise made to his father. That’s why he is called ‘Maryada Purushottam’ — an example of dignity and morality for all of us.”

“In the same way, Kejriwal has set an example of dignity and morality in Indian politics. Over the last two years, the BJP has done everything to tarnish his reputation. They filed false cases, arrested him and kept him in jail for six months,” she added.

“The chair of the Chief Minister of Delhi belongs to Kejriwal. I am confident that in the upcoming elections in February, the people of Delhi will once again choose him as their Chief Minister with love and trust. Until then, this chair (pointing to the chair next to her) will remain in this room, waiting for Kejriwal,” said Atishi.

The BJP and the Congress attacked Atishi over her decision not to sit in the chair used by Kejriwal.

“What she did was not ideal. Through her gesture, she has not only insulted the CM’s post but also hurt the feelings of the people of Delhi. Kejriwal needs to answer whether he will run the government through a remote control,” Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said.

Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav said Atishi has proved herself to be a “dummy” CM.

“I have a strong objection to this that a person who was in jail for a corruption case is being compared to Lord Rama,” Yadav said.

AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal said on X, “They have made fun of the CM post. Roads across Delhi are broken. There is dirt and garbage on streets. There is a problem of water shortage everywhere. This year, Delhi will again become a gas chamber due to pollution, what preparations are going on?”