Politics
‘This Drama Must Stop’: BJP Criticizes Atishi’s Empty Chair Gesture as She Becomes Delhi CM
This Drama Must Stop’: BJP Criticizes Atishi’s Empty Chair Gesture as She Becomes Delhi CM
Atishi became the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 21st when she chose not to sit in Arvind Kejriwal’s chair—a move noted for its symbolism. She left the seat empty, saying he had shown how politicians should leave with dignity. The BJP called her gesture drama soon after she was sworn in. Atishi gave her inaugural speech as Chief Minister, pledging to work for the following four months with a dedication akin to Bharat’s. Bharat had placed Lord Ram’s slippers on the throne while he ruled Ayodhya.
Atishi also said she hoped voters would re-elect Kejriwal in February and spoke of her admiration for the outgoing leader’s work. His chair will stay in the Chief Minister’s office until after the poll, she added. Should he be returned to power, it will be reinstalled for everyday use. The BJP wasted no time in criticizing Atishi’s actions. Amit Malviya, who heads the BJP’s IT cell, went on X (previously known as Twitter) to demand an end to the “drama” in Delhi.
He said when Atishi placed an empty chair next to her, it was suggesting she sees herself as like Manmohan Singh, with Arvind Kejriwal still the boss. Malviya seemed to be hinting things have been twisted so much that what’s happening in the capital makes a mockery of India’s constitution; he stressed the point by adding that Atishi had not exactly taken charge from a disappearing Kejriwal. The latest assembly session is due to take place on 26 and 27 September, with the new cabinet wanting to tick off lots of pending projects and schemes as well as unveil new plans before voting starts.
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When it comes to the appointment of cabinet members, Atishi is keeping all 13 areas of government she ran before—including the big ones like education and finance. Saurabh Bharadwaj from AAP will head eight departments; only Atishi has more. His include health as well as tourism. Mukesh Ahlawat is new on the job, but he won’t be learning about labor or employment; those tasks belong to him now. Gopal Rai plus Kailash Gahlot also stay put in charge so things such as development or transport don’t get messed up during this period leading towards elections once again! There are challenges ahead though if their team wants success with plans they’ve promised people…
