Delhi CM Atishi.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: Two days after taking oath, AAP leader Atishi on Monday took charge as the eight Chief Minister of Delhi at a small function that drew rich symbolism as she kept the chair used by her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal vacant and used a new one for herself.
Just before signing the file, she told the assembled media that she is taking the responsibility with the "same pain in my heart" that Bharat had when his elder brother Lord Sri Ram went on a 14-year-exile based on the promise he gave to his father.
"I will work for four months as the chief minister of Delhi like Bharat did by keeping Lord Ram's sandal on the throne. Arvind Kejriwal has set an example of dignity in politics by stepping down. The BJP left no stone unturned to tarnish his image," she said. The Assembly polls are scheduled for February next year.
"Hope people will bring back Kejriwal in the February polls, his chair will remain in the Chief Minister's office till then," she said pointing to the empty chair beside her.
Kejriwal resigned as the Delhi chief minister on Tuesday, after which Atishi staked claim to form a new government in the national capital. He had announced his resignation after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy case saying he would return to claim the chair only if gets a "certificate of honesty" from people.
Atishi will have the first test when the Delhi Assembly session will be held on September 26 and 27.
Atishi and her five Cabinet colleagues have their tasks cut out and will have to roll out Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 and doorstep delivery of services among others before the Assembly polls are announced.