Sat Sep 21 14:57:45 UTC 2024: ## Atishi Sworn In as Delhi’s New Chief Minister, Replacing Kejriwal

**New Delhi:** In a surprise move, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi was sworn in as the 8th Chief Minister of Delhi on Saturday, replacing Arvind Kejriwal who resigned earlier this week following his release on bail in the liquor policy case.

Atishi, a first-time MLA from Kalkaji, becomes the 17th woman to hold the position of Chief Minister in India and the third woman to lead Delhi. At 43, she also becomes the city’s youngest woman Chief Minister.

The swearing-in ceremony at Raj Niwas also saw five cabinet ministers, including four from the previous government and a new face, take their oaths. The new council of ministers includes:

* **Atishi:** Holds 13 portfolios including finance, revenue, PWD, power, and education.
* **Gopal Rai:** Oversees environment, development, and general administration departments.
* **Saurabh Bharadwaj:** Handles health, tourism, urban development, and other portfolios.
* **Kailash Gahlot:** Responsible for transport, home, and women and child development.
* **Imran Hussain:** Manages the food and supplies department.
* **Satyendar Jain:** The newly sworn-in minister.

The four retained ministers are expected to keep their previous portfolios while Jain is likely to be assigned the vacant portfolios left after the resignation of minister Raaj Kumar Anand in April.

The brief tenure of Atishi’s government will lead up to the assembly polls scheduled for February next year. The AAP aims to “carry forward pending works” until the elections and secure a larger mandate for Kejriwal’s return.

BJP leaders have criticized the new Chief Minister, calling her a part of the “corrupt” Arvind Kejriwal government and alleging that she will function as a rubber stamp for Kejriwal who remains the de facto power center.

Read More