Atishi is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 21, according to an announcement from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party stated that she will take the oath alongside other ministers. Atishi expressed her gratitude for the confidence placed in her by outgoing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal but also shared her sadness over his resignation. She committed to working towards bringing Kejriwal back to the chief ministerial position after the upcoming assembly elections.
In her remarks, Atishi, who appreciates Kejriwal’s support and mentorship, emphasized that it is unique to AAP that a first-time politician can ascend to the role of Chief Minister. Coming from a humble background, she highlighted that such opportunities are rare in other political parties.
Atishi, 43, becomes the third woman to serve as Delhi’s Chief Minister, following Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit. She is a key AAP leader, previously serving as an advisor to Manish Sisodia during his tenure as Education Minister, where she significantly contributed to improving education in government schools.
Having joined AAP at its founding, Atishi was instrumental in crafting the party’s manifesto for the 2013 elections and has served as a spokesperson for the party. Currently representing the Kalkaji constituency in the Delhi Assembly, she oversees several important portfolios.
Atishi joined the Delhi cabinet in March 2023 amidst challenges facing AAP due to the arrest of Manish Sisodia in relation to an excise policy case, from which he has since been released on bail. As AAP looks to reclaim power in the upcoming assembly elections—having called for early polls since the previous elections were held in early 2020—Atishi will be a prominent figure in these efforts. Kejriwal, who is also the national convenor of AAP, resigned from his role as Chief Minister on Tuesday.
