The Delhi government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has made changes to its cabinet. Minister Atishi has been given the additional responsibility of the Vigilance and Services Department, which were previously overseen by Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj. The cabinet reshuffle file has been sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval. This decision comes after the Parliament passed the ‘Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023,’ which gives the central government control over the Delhi government’s bureaucracy.
In June of the same year, Atishi was given additional responsibility for the Revenue, Planning, and Finance departments after the Lieutenant Governor approved the cabinet reshuffle proposal. Previously, Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot was in charge of these departments. Atishi now holds 14 ministries, making her the minister with the most responsibilities in the Delhi government.
Following the passage of the Delhi Services Bill, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held a meeting with his cabinet ministers. He declared it a “black day” for India’s democracy and accused the BJP government of trying to seize power through the backdoor. Kejriwal criticized the BJP for betraying the people of Delhi and disrespecting their voting rights.