AAP leader steps down following party’s massive setback, vows to continue the fight against BJP
New Delhi, February 9:
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi tendered her resignation on Sunday, following the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) significant defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections.
The 43-year-old leader submitted her resignation to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at the Raj Niwas, stepping down just months after assuming the Chief Ministerial post in September last year.
Atishi’s appointment came after Arvind Kejriwal resigned from the position, making her the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi, after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.
AAP’s Electoral Setback
AAP suffered a major blow, securing only 22 seats, a drastic drop from its previous tally of 62 in the 2020 Delhi elections.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a historic victory, regaining power in the national capital after 27 years and defeating AAP decisively.
Atishi’s Victory in Kalkaji
Despite her party’s poor performance, Atishi retained her Kalkaji seat, defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri by a margin of 3,521 votes.
Acknowledging her individual win, Atishi conceded AAP’s defeat and vowed to continue fighting against the BJP.
“I thank the people of Kalkaji for showing trust in me. I congratulate my team who worked against ‘baahubal’…We accept the people’s mandate. I have won, but it’s not a time to celebrate—it’s time to continue the fight,” Atishi said.
Key Losses for AAP
Several of AAP’s top leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, lost their seats, making Atishi’s victory one of the few bright spots for the party.
BJP’s Parvesh Verma delivered a significant upset, defeating Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency by over 4,000 votes.
Congress Fails to Make a Comeback
The Congress Party, which had hoped for a revival in Delhi politics, failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive time.
With Atishi’s resignation, Delhi is now set for a leadership transition, as BJP prepares to form the government after nearly three decades.