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The political landscape of Delhi took a dramatic turn as Atishi, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), assumed the mantle of Delhi's eighth chief minister. This unexpected development came amidst a backdrop of controversy and political maneuvering, with Arvind Kejriwal, the party convenor and former chief minister, stepping down following allegations of corruption. This move, while surprising, was driven by Kejriwal's staunch refusal to occupy the chief minister's chair until he is deemed 'honest' by the people of Delhi. This decision was intricately linked to an ongoing corruption case and the upcoming Delhi elections.
Atishi, known for her dedication to education and her previous portfolio responsibilities within the Kejriwal government, took charge on Monday. In a symbolic gesture, she placed an empty chair next to her own, a poignant tribute to Kejriwal's absence and a visible reminder of his impending return. Atishi drew parallels between her situation and the legendary story of Lord Bharat in the Hindu epic Ramayana, highlighting her commitment to serve in Kejriwal's absence, just as Lord Bharat had served as a regent during Lord Ram's exile. This move was met with mixed reactions, with some praising her dedication and others viewing it as a political maneuver.
The BJP, the AAP's main political opponent, wasted no time in criticizing Atishi's actions. Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP's IT cell, labeled the empty chair a political stunt and accused Atishi of being a puppet figurehead, comparing her to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He went further, claiming that the empty chair constituted a mockery of the Indian constitution, and questioned the legitimacy of Atishi's oath of office. Manoj Tiwari, a BJP MP, echoed these sentiments, questioning Atishi's commitment to the position and accusing her of disrespecting the office of the chief minister. The BJP's vehement criticism underscored their determination to discredit Atishi and further fuel the ongoing political tension in Delhi.
Source: Atishi takes charge as Delhi CM, places empty chair for Arvind Kejriwal