Atishi Takes Office as Delhi’s Youngest Chief Minister, Honors Predecessor with Empty Chair
New Delhi, 23rd September 2024: As AAP leader Atishi assumed the role of Chief Minister of Delhi on Monday, an empty chair beside her own symbolized her loyalty to her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal. Speaking to the media, the 43-year-old, who is now Delhi’s youngest Chief Minister, likened her situation to that of Bharat from the Ramayana, who ruled in Lord Ram’s absence by placing his sandals on the throne.
“Today, I bear a similar responsibility as Bharat did. Just as he placed Lord Ram’s sandals on the throne, I will govern Delhi for the next four months with that same spirit,” she stated.
Atishi expressed confidence that the people of Delhi would reelect Arvind Kejriwal in the upcoming elections. “This chair belongs to him, and I believe that in February, the people of Delhi will once again choose him as their Chief Minister. Until then, this chair will remain here, awaiting his return,” she added.
Sworn in as the eighth Chief Minister of Delhi, and only the third woman to hold the position after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj, Atishi took office on Saturday alongside five cabinet ministers—four from the previous administration and one new member.
Her name was put forward as the next Chief Minister after Kejriwal announced his resignation following an interim bail order from the Supreme Court regarding the excise policy case. Atishi retained 13 portfolios from her previous role, including education, revenue, finance, power, and PWD.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva condemned Atishi’s act of placing an empty chair beside her as a violation of constitutional norms and an affront to the Chief Minister’s office.
Sachdeva remarked, “Setting two chairs at the Chief Minister’s desk disrespects the Constitution and the office itself. This is not idealism, as Atishi claims, but a clear display of sycophancy.” He further criticized her for undermining the dignity of the Chief Minister’s office and for offending the sentiments of Delhi’s citizens.
At 43, Atishi is the youngest person ever to serve as Delhi’s Chief Minister, and she is currently one of only two women Chief Ministers in the country, alongside Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal. Her tenure will be brief, as the Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 2025.
