BJP Calls Atishi 'New Manmohan Singh' As Delhi's Political Landscape Shifts

Atishi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi at Raj Niwas on Saturday, just days after Arvind Kejriwal stepped down from his position. Following her inauguration, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took a jab at Atishi, dubbing her the "new Manmohan Singh."

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla congratulated the people of Delhi but claimed that real power would still rest with Arvind Kejriwal, stating that he would act as the de facto Chief Minister while Atishi would serve as the de jure leader, as reported by Hindustan Times.

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He suggested that court-imposed bail conditions had hindered Kejriwal's ability to function directly as Chief Minister, leading to the establishment of a "remote control" governance system. Poonawalla emphasized that while the face of the government might have changed, the underlying nature and character remained the same.

He urged Atishi to open the doors to the 'Sheeshmahal,' a project built at a cost of ₹150 crores, and raised concerns about her family's past sentiments towards Afzal Guru, a controversial figure in Indian politics.

Delhi's Leader of the Opposition, Vijender Gupta, echoed Poonawalla's sentiments, labelling the new government as a "dummy" administration. Gupta expressed scepticism about Atishi's leadership, asserting that it would be run remotely, as reported by Hindustan Times.

North East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari also called on Atishi to investigate the alleged liquor scam in Delhi, urging her to clarify the reasons for the withdrawal of the liquor policy and its financial implications.

Atishi's swearing-in ceremony saw her accompanied by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, alongside other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders who took their oaths as council ministers in the new cabinet, as per media reports.

As the political landscape shifts in Delhi, all eyes are on Atishi to see how she navigates her new role amid the critiques and challenges laid out by the opposition.