Chief minister-designate Atishi is likely to address her first session as the leader of the house in the Delhi assembly next Thursday.
Delhi’s political landscape is set for a major shift as Atishi, the newly designated Chief Minister, is expected to address her first session as leader of the house in the Delhi Assembly. This two-day special session is scheduled for September 26 and 27, following the Delhi government’s recent decision to convene the assembly. The session comes on the heels of Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation as Chief Minister, with Atishi preparing to take the reins.
Kejriwal, who has led Delhi through multiple terms, formally stepped down, paving the way for Atishi to stake her claim to form the next government. This decision marks a significant turning point for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), signaling both a change in leadership and a moment of transition for the state. Atishi, a prominent figure within AAP, is widely regarded for her role in the party’s educational reforms and policy-making efforts.
At the LG House, Atishi met with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, accompanied by Arvind Kejriwal. This meeting was a key step in the process, as Atishi formally presented her claim to the Chief Minister’s position. The transition, however, is still subject to constitutional protocols. While Atishi is expected to speak on a range of pressing issues concerning Delhi during the assembly session, it remains uncertain whether her oath-taking ceremony will be completed by that time. The timeline for the oath-taking depends on the approval and scheduling provided by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who must seek concurrence from the President of India.
SK Sharma, a constitutional expert and former secretary to both the Lok Sabha and the Delhi Assembly, weighed in on the process, noting that the power to appoint a Chief Minister and ministers rests with the President of India. He explained that Atishi, as the head of the legislative group, has laid her claim to power. Given AAP’s overwhelming majority in the Delhi Assembly, Sharma expressed confidence that there should be no obstacles to her formal appointment as Chief Minister.
Atishi’s impending leadership represents a pivotal moment for both the party and the city. She has been a key figure in the AAP’s governance model, particularly known for her work in transforming the education system in Delhi. As she prepares to take on the role of Chief Minister, her agenda for the state is expected to focus on a range of critical issues, from infrastructure development to social welfare programs.
The upcoming special session will provide an early glimpse into Atishi’s vision for Delhi. During her address to the assembly, she is expected to outline her government’s priorities, focusing on the challenges the city faces and the way forward under her leadership. Key issues such as air pollution, water management, healthcare, and education are likely to be at the forefront of her speech.
This change in leadership comes at a crucial time for Delhi, which has seen rapid growth and faces unique challenges as a densely populated urban center. Atishi’s tenure as Chief Minister is likely to focus on building on the work of the AAP government, particularly in areas like health and education, while addressing new and evolving issues. One of the critical areas of focus is expected to be the environment, especially tackling Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem. Over the years, Delhi has struggled with poor air quality, particularly during the winter months when pollution levels spike to hazardous levels.
Water scarcity and management are also likely to be central to her agenda. Delhi, which relies on water sources from neighboring states, has long faced challenges in providing equitable access to clean water for all its residents. Atishi has been an advocate for sustainable solutions, and her government is expected to explore new ways to improve water management systems and ensure reliable access to this critical resource.
Another area where Atishi is likely to make her mark is in the realm of public healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a robust healthcare system, and the AAP government has already made significant strides in this area through initiatives like Mohalla Clinics. Under Atishi’s leadership, the expansion and strengthening of healthcare infrastructure will likely remain a priority, with a focus on ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all citizens.
In addition to healthcare and the environment, Atishi’s leadership is expected to emphasize education. As a former education minister, she played a pivotal role in transforming Delhi’s government schools, earning national and international recognition for her efforts. Her experience in this sector is likely to inform her approach as Chief Minister, with a continued focus on improving the quality of education and expanding access to educational opportunities for children across the city.
Atishi’s rise to the position of Chief Minister is significant not only because of her policy expertise but also because of what it represents for gender equality in Indian politics. As one of the few women to hold such a prominent position in state politics, her leadership is a step forward for greater representation of women in governance. Her success could inspire more women to enter politics and take on leadership roles in the future.
As Atishi prepares to assume office, she will also need to navigate the complex relationship between the Delhi government and the central government. Delhi, as a Union Territory, has a unique administrative structure that often leads to friction between the state government and the central authorities. The role of the Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the central government, has historically been a point of contention, particularly with the AAP government. Atishi will need to manage this dynamic carefully to ensure smooth governance and the implementation of her policies.
One of the first tests of her leadership will be her ability to work with various stakeholders, including the bureaucracy, civil society, and political opponents, to achieve her government’s goals. Building consensus and fostering collaboration will be key to her success as Chief Minister, especially given the complex and diverse nature of Delhi’s population.
In the weeks leading up to the special session, there has been widespread speculation about the direction of Atishi’s government and the challenges she will face in her new role. Political analysts have pointed out that while she inherits a strong mandate from the AAP’s electoral victories, she will also need to address rising public expectations and deliver tangible results on key issues.
Atishi’s leadership style, which has been characterized by pragmatism, innovation, and a focus on data-driven policymaking, is likely to shape her approach as Chief Minister. Her ability to balance immediate challenges with long-term development goals will be crucial to her success.
As the September 26-27 session approaches, all eyes will be on Atishi as she addresses the Delhi Assembly for the first time as its leader. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Delhi and the AAP, with Atishi poised to bring her vision and expertise to the highest office in the state.
