On Sunday, AAP MLA and ex-Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was made the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly at the party's legislative meeting, creating history for the national capital.
This is the first time a woman has been elected to be the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, and it is also the first time that a woman LoP will be up against a woman Chief Minister, BJP's Rekha Gupta.
Atishi, who replaced Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister of Delhi in September 2024, became the youngest incumbent. During the past AAP government, she had served on some of the most important portfolios such as Education, Power, Water, PWD, and Services, making her the lone lady minister in the Cabinet.
The announcement was made by AAP MLA Gopal Rai, who said, "In the legislative party meeting, it has been unanimously decided that Atishi will be the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly."
Rai also highlighted the experience of Atishi, commenting, "At times of need, Atishi has worked among the people of Delhi as Cabinet Minister and Chief Minister. AAP will be the responsible and hard-hitting Opposition if the promises of the BJP are not honored."
Thanking AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and the legislative party for entrusting their confidence in her, Atishi said: "The AAP has been elected as the Opposition by the public. An effective Opposition is one that gives voice to the people. We will see that all the commitments given by the Prime Minister and party leaders of the BJP are implemented.".
She also reiterated AAP's resolve to keep the new government on its toes, especially on the women's promises. "I thank AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and the Legislative Party for their faith in me. The AAP has been elected as the Opposition by the people of Delhi. A robust Opposition is what amplifies the voice of the people. The AAP will ensure the BJP keeps all the promises announced by the Prime Minister and party leaders," she added.
Atishi also spoke about the BJP's dedication to women, assuring the women of Delhi, "We will make sure the Rekha Gupta government keeps its promise of giving Rs 2,500 as promised."
In the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls, BJP returned to power in a historic comeback, bagging 48 seats out of 70, putting an end to a 27-year wait for Delhi dominance. AAP, which had been ruling Delhi for almost a decade, managed to win 22 seats, while Congress drew a blank.
