'Like Bharat in the Ramayana...': Delhi CM Atishi Sits Next to Kejriwal's Empty Chair
'Like Bharat in the Ramayana...': delhi cm Atishi Sits Next to Kejriwal's Empty Chair
Atishi, who was sworn in as Delhi's chief minister on september 21, assumed her role on Monday. Instead of occupying former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's seat, she left it unoccupied. Choosing a different chair, Atishi explained that she wanted to honor Kejriwal's dignified departure from politics. Shortly after, the bharatiya janata party (BJP) criticized this gesture as mere “drama.”
“I will serve as Delhi’s chief minister for four months like Bharat from the Ramayana, placing Lord Ram’s wooden slipper on the throne. arvind kejriwal has exemplified dignity by stepping down. The bjp has done everything to tarnish his reputation,” Atishi stated after taking office.
She expressed hope that voters would reelect kejriwal in the february elections, assuring that his chair would remain in the Chief Minister’s office until then.
In response, the bjp condemned Atishi's actions, urging her to stop the “drama.” bjp IT cell chief amit Malviya commented on X, stating, “This performance in delhi must end. Today, Atishi Marlena took charge with an empty chair beside hers, implying she is the manmohan singh of the delhi government, while the actual chief minister is arvind kejriwal, whom the supreme court has barred from the delhi Secretariat and from signing files.”
Malviya’s post also criticized the act as a mockery of the constitution, emphasizing that Atishi, not an empty chair representing kejriwal, took the oath of office. The delhi Assembly session is scheduled for september 26 and 27.
THE delhi cabinet Atishi has retained the 13 portfolios she held under kejriwal, including education, revenue, finance, power, and public works. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj manages eight departments, the most after Atishi, including health, tourism, and culture. New member mukesh Ahlawat has been assigned labor and SC/ST portfolios, while Gopal Rai keeps his portfolios related to development and the environment. Kailash Gahlot also retains his previous responsibilities, covering transport and home affairs.
Atishi’s new cabinet data-faces a long list of pending projects and new initiatives to launch before the february elections.
THE RAMAYANA REFERENCE Bharat, Lord Ram's younger brother, ruled ayodhya during Ram’s exile. Known for his loyalty, Bharat refused the throne for himself, even against his mother’s wishes. Lord ram later instructed him to assume the throne in his absence, which Bharat did by placing Ram’s sandals on the throne, serving as regent until Ram's return. Bharat carried the sandals on his head to Nandigrama, where he ruled in Ram’s name for fourteen years.
Atishi, who was sworn in as Delhi's chief minister on september 21, assumed her role on Monday. Instead of occupying former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's seat, she left it unoccupied. Choosing a different chair, Atishi explained that she wanted to honor Kejriwal's dignified departure from politics. Shortly after, the bharatiya janata party (BJP) criticized this gesture as mere “drama.”
“I will serve as Delhi’s chief minister for four months like Bharat from the Ramayana, placing Lord Ram’s wooden slipper on the throne. arvind kejriwal has exemplified dignity by stepping down. The bjp has done everything to tarnish his reputation,” Atishi stated after taking office.
She expressed hope that voters would reelect kejriwal in the february elections, assuring that his chair would remain in the Chief Minister’s office until then.
In response, the bjp condemned Atishi's actions, urging her to stop the “drama.” bjp IT cell chief amit Malviya commented on X, stating, “This performance in delhi must end. Today, Atishi Marlena took charge with an empty chair beside hers, implying she is the manmohan singh of the delhi government, while the actual chief minister is arvind kejriwal, whom the supreme court has barred from the delhi Secretariat and from signing files.”
Malviya’s post also criticized the act as a mockery of the constitution, emphasizing that Atishi, not an empty chair representing kejriwal, took the oath of office. The delhi Assembly session is scheduled for september 26 and 27.
THE delhi cabinet Atishi has retained the 13 portfolios she held under kejriwal, including education, revenue, finance, power, and public works. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj manages eight departments, the most after Atishi, including health, tourism, and culture. New member mukesh Ahlawat has been assigned labor and SC/ST portfolios, while Gopal Rai keeps his portfolios related to development and the environment. Kailash Gahlot also retains his previous responsibilities, covering transport and home affairs.
Atishi’s new cabinet data-faces a long list of pending projects and new initiatives to launch before the february elections.
THE RAMAYANA REFERENCE Bharat, Lord Ram's younger brother, ruled ayodhya during Ram’s exile. Known for his loyalty, Bharat refused the throne for himself, even against his mother’s wishes. Lord ram later instructed him to assume the throne in his absence, which Bharat did by placing Ram’s sandals on the throne, serving as regent until Ram's return. Bharat carried the sandals on his head to Nandigrama, where he ruled in Ram’s name for fourteen years.