Delhi CM Atishi Resigns, LG Asks Her to Continue Until BJP Forms New Government.

Atishi, who retained her Kalkaji seat in the recent elections, submitted her resignation to Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena at Raj Niwas, officials confirmed.

The LG’s office stated that Saxena has requested Atishi to continue as chief minister until a new government takes charge.

The BJP is expected to stake its claim to power next week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from an overseas visit, party leaders said.

“Hon’ble Lt Governor, Shri VK Saxena today received the resignation of Hon’ble CM, Ms Atishi. He asked her to continue in her position till the formation of the new government,” Raj Niwas, Delhi posted on its official X handle.

The LG officially dissolved the Delhi Assembly on February 8.

A notification issued by the assembly secretariat a day earlier stated, “In exercise of the power conferred upon me by sub-section (2)(b) of section 6 of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, I, Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, hereby dissolve the Seventh Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi with effect from February 8, 2025.”

The BJP secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, returning to power after 26 years. The party won 48 out of 70 seats, while AAP secured 22 seats. The Congress failed to win any.

Atishi had taken over as chief minister in September last year following the resignation of AAP convenor and former CM Arvind Kejriwal, who stepped down amid corruption allegations.

AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar stated on Sunday that the party will function as a responsible opposition in Delhi.

“We accept the people’s mandate with humility. AAP is a party that learns from its mistakes and works to improve. We will analyze the reasons for our reduced vote share,” she said.

“We will act as a strong opposition and ensure the BJP is held accountable for the promises they have made to the people of Delhi,” she added.