Atishi Singh’s choice to avoid sitting on the official chair has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, who have labelled her a ‘dummy’ Chief Minister, working under Arvind Kejriwal’s influence.
New Delhi: The new chief minister of Delhi, Atishi Singh, has become the centre of attention since assuming office as the eighth chief minister of the national capital, following Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. She drew widespread attention with her remark that she would not sit on the chief minister’s official chair but instead on a white chair, placed next to Kejriwal’s chair. Atishi compared her role to that of Bharat from the Ramayana, who ruled Ayodhya in Lord Ram’s absence by placing Ram’s ‘khadaun’ (wooden slippers) on the throne. Her statement sparked criticism from the opposition; Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva labelled her a “dummy CM” controlled by Kejriwal, implying she operates under his direction.
Sachdeva criticised Atishi for what he described as an “insult” to constitutional norms and the office of the chief minister.
He stated, “What she did was not ideal. Her gesture not only disrespected the role of chief minister but also hurt the sentiments of the people of Delhi.”
Sachdeva demanded an answer from Kejriwal, questioning if he plans to run the government by remote control. He even labelled her (Atishi) a “dummy CM” controlled by Kejriwal, implying she operates under his direction.
Sachdeva went on to criticise Atishi’s first week in office, accusing her of focusing on theatrics rather than governance. He cited examples like her photoshoot at Kejriwal’s house, attending a “Janata Adalat” without speaking, and staging a scene with two chairs in her office.
He further claimed that Atishi is merely keeping up with Kejriwal’s corrupt policies. Despite hopes for better governance, Sachdeva noted, she has avoided cabinet meetings and neglected important issues, instead preferring to blame officials and follow Kejriwal’s lead.
BJP’s archrival, Congress, appears to share similar views on Atishi’s leadership. Delhi Congress Chief Devender Yadav criticised her decision to leave Arvind Kejriwal’s chair vacant, calling it proof that she is a “dummy” chief minister. He expressed strong objection to comparing someone jailed for corruption to Lord Ram, accusing Atishi of crossing all limits with this gesture.
According to Yadav, this act signals to the people of Delhi that they should have no expectations from her government.
Yadav further pointed out that instead of addressing pressing issues such as air pollution, repairing broken roads, desilting drains and sewers, controlling rising prices, improving civic infrastructure, and tackling vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, Atishi is more focused on political theatrics. He added that Delhi has endured a government lacking purpose and direction for the past 10 years, with Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and several MLAs preoccupied with legal battles to avoid imprisonment.
Priyanka Kakkar, Chief National Spokesperson of AAP said, “ BJP is making these allegations as Atishi ji has decided not to sit on the vacant chair that belongs to her source of inspiration, whom she greatly admires. A party like the BJP cannot understand the significance and value of this gesture, as the chair next to the prime minister is only reserved for his corporate friend.”
Political psephologist Sanjay Kumar told the publication that as for Kejriwal’s influence over Atishi, it’s uncertain whether he is directly controlling her. However, the fact that Atishi has chosen not to sit in the chief minister’s chair, leaving it vacant, sends a clear message to voters.
By not occupying the seat traditionally held by Kejriwal, she signals that she is merely filling in temporarily and that Kejriwal is the true leader. This reinforces the idea that she is a “placeholder” chief minister, and if people perceive her as a figurehead, it’s understandable. The party’s actions, along with her own, suggest that she is not the real decision-maker, with Kejriwal still being projected as the rightful occupant of that chair. This makes it seem like she is merely a nominal head, with Kejriwal still pulling the strings behind the scenes.