Atishi Expected to Be Sworn in as New Delhi CM on September 21

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi is expected to be sworn in as Delhi’s Chief Minister on September 21, marking her as the second AAP CM and the third woman to hold the position, following Sheila Dikshit of Congress and Sushma Swaraj of BJP. This date has been proposed by Lt Governor V.K. Saxena, according to sources.

Atishi will succeed Arvind Kejriwal, who officially resigned from his position on September 17. With AAP now in its fourth year of governance, Atishi will lead the administration for the remainder of the term.

Insiders indicate that her oath-taking ceremony will likely take place at Raj Niwas and is expected to be a “low-key affair” following Kejriwal’s resignation.

In an official communication to President Droupadi Murmu, V.K. Saxena suggested September 21 as the swearing-in date for Atishi. The note also included Kejriwal’s resignation letter.

This development follows Atishi’s meeting with Lt Governor Saxena, where she staked her claim to form the new government. As the AAP legislator from Kalkaji, Atishi will need to demonstrate her government’s majority in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

The AAP government has scheduled an Assembly session for September 26-27. The current Assembly term will conclude on February 23 next year, with elections anticipated in early February 2025.

Kejriwal, who was arrested in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, was granted bail by the Supreme Court on September 13. However, he remains restricted from accessing his office or the Delhi Secretariat and cannot sign files without the consent of Lt Governor V.K. Saxena.