NEW DELHI:
Ex-CM and Kalkaji MLA Atishi was elected by consensus in AAP as leader of opposition (LoP) Sunday. This is the first time a woman will hold the post in Delhi assembly and also the first time in any state in India that both CM and LoP are women.
Atishi’s name was proposed by Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha and accepted by all other AAP legislators. Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal was part of the meeting.
Atishi said AAP would show what a strong opposition’s role can be and would raise all issues with full force. “We will ensure BJP fulfils all its promises, specifically the pledge to provide Rs 2,500 per month to women in the city by March 8,” Atishi said.
Atishi said she was handing over a “fiscally strong” govt. “Delhi’s budget outlay increased from Rs 30,000cr to Rs 77,000cr in 10 years of AAP govt”.
Atishi: As Oppn, we will ensure BJP fulfils all promises
“I challenge BJP to name a single state governed by them, apart from Delhi, where the budget has grown two and a half times in a decade,” Atishi said. She added that Delhi’s debt-to-GDP ratio had come down from 6% to 3% in 10 years.
“The people of Delhi have placed their trust in you (BJP) and given you a mandate. Instead of making excuses, fulfil the promises you made to them,” Atishi said.
On BJP’s announcement of tabling of CAG reports in the three-day assembly session, Atishi said it was a routine procedure and that she, as CM, had sent these reports to the House after approval from LG.
Atishi was congratulated by Kejriwal and other senior party functionaries after being chosen as leader of opposition by consensus. In a post on X, Kejriwal said, “I congratulate Atishi ji for being elected as Leader of AAP in the House. AAP will play the role of constructive opposition in the interest of the people of Delhi.”
Atishi also posted on X and said, “The people of Delhi have entrusted us with the role of opposition, and as a strong opposition we will ensure that the BJP govt fulfils all its promises made to the people of Delhi.”
Former deputy CM Manish Sisodia also congratulated Atishi. “The Aam Aadmi Party will play the role of a responsible and active opposition, always giving priority to the interests of the people of Delhi,” he posted on X.
