Mon Sep 23 09:13:26 UTC 2024: ## Atishi Takes Charge as Delhi’s Chief Minister, Keeping a Seat Warm for Kejriwal

**New Delhi:** In a symbolic gesture, AAP leader Atishi Marlena took charge as the eighth Chief Minister of Delhi on Monday, leaving an empty chair in her office for former CM and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal. “This chair belongs to Arvind Kejriwal,” Atishi declared, expressing confidence that the people of Delhi would elect him back as their Chief Minister in the February elections. “Until then, this chair will remain here, waiting for him to return,” she added.

Atishi, who will serve as CM for the next four months, expressed hope that Kejriwal would soon be back at the helm. She highlighted Kejriwal’s exemplary leadership and integrity, criticizing the BJP for attempting to smear his image.

Atishi, who is Delhi’s third woman CM after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj, will lead a cabinet with significant responsibilities distributed among her colleagues. Saurabh Bharadwaj will oversee eight departments, including Health, Urban Development, and Social Welfare, while Gopal Rai continues to handle Environment, along with two other departments.

Atishi’s administration faces the daunting task of reviving the government after months of stagnation caused by Kejriwal’s judicial custody in the excise policy case.

The newly appointed cabinet includes Kailash Gehlot, who will handle four departments, including Transport and Women and Child Development (WCD). Imran Hussain will head the Food Supply and Election departments, while new Cabinet member Mukesh Ahlawat will take charge of five departments, including SC/ST Welfare and Labour.

Read More