18

Sep

Making way for  Atishi a Strategic Move of Kejriwal

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Dr Satish Misra

New Delhi | Wednesday | 18 September 2024

In a significant and strategic move, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal resigned as Delhi Chief Minister on 16th September, opening the door for his trusted colleague, Atishi, to assume the position of Delhi’s third woman chief minister. This decision came just days after Kejriwal's release on bail in the liquor policy case on 13th September, marking the end of a politically charged and suspenseful week. The decision to appoint Atishi as his successor was made following her unanimous selection as the leader of AAP’s legislative party, setting her up to serve as the interim chief minister until the next Assembly elections, which are scheduled for February. However, Kejriwal has indicated that he is pushing for an early election, possibly in the coming month.

 

Kejriwal’s resignation and the promotion of Atishi to the role of chief minister are widely seen as calculated steps designed to bolster the AAP’s moral standing in the eyes of the public, particularly following the controversies surrounding the liquor policy case. By stepping down and promoting a capable woman leader, Kejriwal has not only distanced himself from the ongoing legal battles but has also posed a new challenge to the opposition parties, the BJP and Congress. Both parties must now recalibrate their strategies to counter AAP’s strengthened public image as it enters the electoral battleground.

 

Article at a Glance
In a strategic move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned on September 16, paving the way for his trusted colleague, Atishi, to become the city's third woman chief minister. This decision came after Kejriwal's release on bail in the liquor policy case and marks a calculated step to bolster AAP's moral standing. By promoting a capable woman leader, Kejriwal has distanced himself from legal battles and posed a new challenge to opposition parties, BJP and Congress.
The coming months will witness intense political competition among the three parties, with AAP, BJP, and Congress vying for the upper hand in Delhi's assembly elections. Atishi, a highly educated and accomplished leader, has been instrumental in transforming Delhi's public education system and has become one of AAP's most prominent figures. Her appointment as chief minister has cemented her role as a prominent face of AAP, solidifying the party's narrative that Kejriwal's resignation was a temporary measure.

 

 

The coming months are expected to witness intense political competition among AAP, BJP, and Congress, with all three parties vying to gain the upper hand in Delhi’s upcoming assembly elections. The Modi-Shah-led BJP is expected to use both overt and covert tactics to win this electoral contest, while the Congress, although a diminished force in the capital, is likely to field one of its senior leaders as a potential challenger. Kejriwal's move has caught both opposition parties off guard, particularly the BJP, which lacks a prominent face to lead its campaign against the well-established AAP.

 

After her election, Atishi wasted no time in displaying her loyalty to Kejriwal, emphasizing that the people of Delhi are committed to bringing him back as chief minister. In her first address as the new leader of AAP’s legislative party, she referred to Kejriwal as the only rightful chief minister of Delhi, asserting that her government’s mission would be to ensure his return. This loyalty and clear sense of purpose have cemented Atishi’s role as a prominent face of AAP, further solidifying the party’s narrative that Kejriwal’s resignation was a temporary measure, necessitated by political circumstances.

 

Atishi, a long-time confidante of Kejriwal and one of his most trusted aides, has been a key figure in AAP’s internal restructuring, particularly in the wake of the legal troubles that forced senior leaders like Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain to resign. Her appointment as chief minister makes her the third woman to hold this position in Delhi, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit. Atishi's rise to power is a reflection of her unwavering dedication to the party and her significant contributions to Delhi’s governance over the years.

 

A highly educated and accomplished leader, Atishi was born to Delhi University professors and attended prestigious institutions such as Springdales School, St. Stephen’s College, and Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. She currently holds several important portfolios in the Delhi government, including Finance, Education, Power, and Public Works. Atishi has been instrumental in transforming Delhi’s public education system, earning her national recognition for her role in improving government schools and addressing key issues like women’s safety and the water crisis in the capital.

 

Atishi’s political journey has been marked by a series of notable milestones, including her work with grassroots organizations in Madhya Pradesh, where she spent seven years promoting organic farming and progressive education. This early experience shaped her commitment to political change and provided a foundation for her future role in AAP. In 2013, she played a crucial part in drafting the party’s manifesto and has been a central figure in shaping AAP’s policy agenda ever since.

 

As an MLA from Kalkaji, Atishi joined the Delhi cabinet in March 2023 after Manish Sisodia’s resignation due to the liquor policy controversy. Since then, she has taken on a leading role in various government projects and has become one of the most visible faces of AAP, particularly during high-profile events such as the 2023 Independence Day celebrations, where she was initially selected to hoist the national flag in Kejriwal’s absence. Although the plan was halted by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, the moment underscored her growing influence within the party.

 

In 2022, Atishi made headlines when she addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where she highlighted Delhi’s governance model as a global example of effective urban management. Her leadership and public recognition have made her one of AAP’s most prominent figures, further solidifying her position as Kejriwal’s trusted successor.

 

Kejriwal’s resignation comes amid growing pressure from the BJP, which has been vocally demanding his removal due to his involvement in the liquor policy case. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant him bail, while also imposing restrictions on his ability to perform official duties, created a challenging situation for Kejriwal, who could no longer effectively govern. By stepping down, Kejriwal has preempted any potential intervention by the central government and has ensured that the city will not come under President’s Rule.

 

Kejriwal’s bold move is not without risks. He is placing his political future in the hands of the electorate, betting that the people of Delhi will see his resignation as an act of moral integrity rather than a sign of weakness. His anti-corruption platform, which has been the foundation of AAP’s success, is once again being tested, and the outcome of the next election will determine whether the party can maintain its dominance in Delhi.

 

As the political landscape in Delhi evolves, the next few months will be critical in shaping the future of both AAP and its rivals. Kejriwal’s resignation has set the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle, with Atishi now at the helm of the party. The AAP leader has played his cards, and the political fate of Delhi now rests in the hands of the voters.

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