Political Controversy Erupts as CM Atishi Sits Beside Empty Chair
New Delhi: A political uproar began when Atishi, the new Chief Minister of Delhi, chose to sit on a separate chair during her swearing-in ceremony, leaving the chair typically occupied by party chief Arvind Kejriwal empty. Taking charge as the eighth Chief Minister of Delhi on Monday, Atishi explicitly stated that the vacant chair belonged to Kejriwal. She expressed, “Today, I have taken on the responsibility of the Chief Minister of Delhi. My feelings are akin to Bharat’s when Lord Ram went into exile for 14 years, and Bharat had to govern Ayodhya.”
In a post on social media, Chief Minister Atishi shared her sentiments, stating, “Today, I have taken on the responsibility of Delhi’s Chief Minister. I feel the same anguish as Bharat when his elder brother Lord Ram went into exile for 14 years, and Bharat had to manage Ayodhya. Just as Bharat governed Ayodhya with Ram’s sandals for 14 years, I will run the Delhi government for four months.”
However, Atishi’s actions provided the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with an opportunity to attack her. BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva commented, “Keeping two chairs on the Chief Minister’s table is an insult to the Constitution and the position of Chief Minister. Atishi’s actions reflect not idealism but rather sycophancy. With this act, she has disrespected the dignity of the Chief Minister’s office and the sentiments of the people of Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal should answer—will you govern Delhi like this from a remote control?”
In the new cabinet, Saurabh Bhardwaj has taken on the most significant role, overseeing eight departments including Health, Tourism, and Arts and Culture. Mukesh Ahlawat, a new cabinet member, has been assigned Labor, SC/ST Affairs, Employment, and Land & Building departments. Gopal Rai retains responsibilities for Development, General Administration, Environment, and Forests, while Kailash Gahlot continues to oversee Transport, Home, Administrative Reforms, and Women & Child Development.
Under Atishi’s leadership, the new cabinet faces a lengthy list of projects, plans, and new initiatives to be launched in the coming months ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections in February.
