
Delhi , September 21 2024 :- In a historic moment for Delhi, AAP leader Atishi was sworn in as the city’s third woman Chief Minister, following in the footsteps of BJP’s Sushma Swaraj and Congress’ Sheila Dikshit. Atishi, known for her dynamic leadership, is also the youngest to assume this role in the national capital. She now becomes the 17th woman Chief Minister in India’s post-independence history, marking another milestone in Indian politics.
Atishi, a first-time legislator, has played a crucial role within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), especially during Arvind Kejriwal’s time in Tihar Jail amid the excise policy case investigation. She rose through the ranks of the AAP, managing its operations in challenging times, and her dedication has been key to her ascendancy to the top political position in Delhi. Despite her brief tenure due to upcoming Assembly elections in February, her appointment symbolizes the growing influence of women in Indian politics.
Atishi’s induction into the Chief Minister’s post is part of a long tradition of powerful women leaders in Indian states. Notable predecessors include Sucheta Kripalani, India’s first woman Chief Minister, who led Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967, and Mamata Banerjee, who is currently serving her third term as West Bengal’s Chief Minister. Other trailblazing leaders include Mayawati of Uttar Pradesh, J. Jayalalithaa of Tamil Nadu, and Vasundhara Raje of Rajasthan.
Delhi’s previous women Chief Ministers also left lasting legacies. Sushma Swaraj served a brief term in 1998, and Sheila Dikshit, Delhi’s longest-serving CM, led the capital for an impressive 15 years, from 1998 to 2013. Atishi now steps into this esteemed legacy, tasked with leading the capital through a transitional period.
Her leadership is expected to resonate not only with AAP supporters but also across a broad spectrum of voters in Delhi. As the youngest woman Chief Minister of Delhi, her journey will be closely observed as Delhi prepares for its next elections in early 2024.
Atishi’s rise to power reflects the increasing prominence of women in the Indian political landscape, as she joins the ranks of formidable leaders like Vasundhara Raje, Nandini Satpathy (Odisha), Mehbooba Mufti (Jammu and Kashmir), and Rabri Devi (Bihar), all of whom have shaped the political discourse in their respective states.