Sat Sep 21 14:35:42 UTC 2024: ## Atishi Sworn in as Delhi’s New Chief Minister Amidst Political Tensions

**New Delhi, India** – Atishi, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was sworn in as Delhi’s new Chief Minister on Saturday at Raj Niwas. This makes her the 17th woman to hold the position in India and the third woman to lead Delhi after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.

Atishi, a first-time legislator, assumes office in a politically charged environment, with assembly elections slated for February. Her tenure is expected to be brief as the party’s national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, stepped down from the Chief Ministership in September following his release on bail in connection with an excise policy case. He has announced he will only return to the position after seeking a “certificate of honesty” from Delhi’s voters in the upcoming elections.

The oath-taking ceremony was a low-key affair, reflecting the subdued mood within the AAP following Kejriwal’s resignation. Five other AAP leaders – Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Imran Hussain, and Mukesh Ahlawat – were also sworn in as ministers in the new cabinet.

Atishi, who was a key figure in the party during Kejriwal’s time in jail, expressed gratitude for the responsibility bestowed upon her, stating she would focus on serving the people of Delhi. She attributed the recent political turmoil to a conspiracy by the BJP-led central government against Kejriwal.

The BJP has been critical of the new government, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla characterizing it as a “dummy government” and Atishi as a “de jure CM” with real power resting with Kejriwal.

Despite the political maneuvering, the AAP is actively campaigning for the upcoming polls in Haryana and hopes to maintain its grip on Delhi, with Kejriwal’s return as Chief Minister their ultimate goal.

The new cabinet faces immediate challenges, including addressing issues like road repairs, pollution, and access to healthcare, all while navigating the political climate leading up to the crucial February elections.

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