Atishi Takes Charge as Delhi's Eighth Chief Minister, Retains Key Portfolios

Atishi assumed the role of Delhi's chief minister while symbolically honoring her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal. She avoided using Kejriwal's chair, opting instead for a different seat, while retaining 13 significant portfolios. BJP's Virendra Sachdeva criticized her actions as disrespectful to the chief minister's post. The new cabinet faces numerous pending projects before upcoming polls.

In an unexpected move, Atishi took charge as Delhi's eighth chief minister on Monday, signaling respect for her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, by not using his chair. Instead, she sat next to it, symbolically referencing the story of Bharat and Lord Ram's khadaun.

Atishi retains 13 major portfolios from the Kejriwal administration, including education, revenue, and finance. Notably, her gesture drew sharp criticism from Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva, who called it an insult to the office of the chief minister.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai and other new cabinet members, including Mukesh Ahlawat, also took their posts at the Delhi Secretariat. With various pending projects and elections looming in February, the new cabinet under Atishi has significant challenges ahead.

(With inputs from agencies.)