Atishi Resigns as Delhi Chief Minister; BJP plans grand swearing-in event

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Feb 9, 2025: A day after the BJP clinched a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, Chief Minister Atishi tendered her resignation to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Thursday. Following her resignation, Mr. Saxena formally dissolved the Seventh Legislative Assembly of the national capital.

The BJP secured 48 seats in the 70-member Assembly, a massive leap from its 2020 tally of eight. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had dominated the previous election with 62 seats, was reduced to 20 this time. The Congress, once a dominant force in Delhi politics, failed to win a single seat.

The election marked a major setback for AAP, with key leaders, including national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, losing their respective seats. However, Ms. Atishi managed to retain her Kalkaji constituency.

This victory brings the BJP back to power in Delhi after a gap of 26 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated party workers and expressed gratitude to Delhi’s voters, pledging to deliver on promises and steer the city toward development.

A grand swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place next week, following the Prime Minister’s return from his visit to the United States. Sources indicate that Chief Ministers from all NDA-ruled states will be invited to the event. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda met today to finalize plans for government formation. The Prime Minister is also said to have held discussions with both leaders on Wednesday night after the election results were announced.

Ms. Atishi had assumed the Chief Minister’s office in September last year after Mr. Kejriwal stepped down amid legal troubles linked to a corruption case concerning Delhi’s now-scrapped liquor policy. At the time, Mr. Kejriwal had announced his intent to return to the position after a verdict in the "people’s court."