BJP and Congress Criticize Atishi’s ‘Symbolic’ Gesture, Calling It an Affront to Constitutional Principles
New Delhi, 24th September 2024: Delhi’s newly appointed Chief Minister, Atishi, faced backlash from the BJP and Congress for leaving Arvind Kejriwal’s chair empty as a symbolic gesture during her inaugural day in office. Critics described her action as a significant affront to constitutional principles and the responsibilities of the chief minister.
Atishi, who became Delhi’s eighth chief minister, announced that she would serve a four-month term, drawing a parallel to Bharat from the Ramayana, who ruled Ayodhya in Lord Ram’s absence by placing his sandals on the throne. She placed an empty chair next to her own and stated, “This chair belongs to Arvind Kejriwal. As I assume my role as CM today, I share the same pain in my heart that Bharat felt. Just as Bharat ji worked with Lord Shri Ram’s sandals, I will govern for the next four months.”
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized Atishi’s action, asserting it disrespected the chief minister’s office and the sentiments of Delhi’s residents. He remarked, “Her gesture is inappropriate. By doing this, she has not only disrespected the position but also hurt the feelings of the people. Arvind Kejriwal must clarify if he intends to govern through remote control.”
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav called Atishi a “dummy” chief minister for leaving Kejriwal’s chair vacant. He voiced his disapproval of comparing a figure recently imprisoned for corruption to Lord Ram, claiming it undermines the dignity of the office. “It’s unacceptable to equate someone jailed for corruption with Lord Ram. Atishi has crossed all limits and presented herself as a puppet chief minister,” Yadav stated.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari also condemned Atishi, arguing that her gesture illustrated her role as a “puppet chief minister” and disrespected the Constitution. “What does an empty chair signify when there is a chief minister in office? This act shows she is merely a puppet. The people of Delhi will take note of this,” Tiwari remarked. He added, “How can anyone compare a corrupt individual out on bail to Lord Ram? Unlike them, Lord Ram was ‘Maryada Purushottam’ (the perfect man). The AAP continues to insult Hindu deities and demean Sanatan Dharma.”
Atishi assumed office on September 22, succeeding Kejriwal after his resignation. She expressed optimism regarding his potential return in the upcoming assembly elections set for February and pointed out the BJP’s efforts to tarnish his image, mentioning his six-month imprisonment and a court’s remarks about the motives behind his arrest.
Atishi, 43, is the third woman to hold the position of chief minister of Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.
