New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have increasingly turned to the epic Ramayana to illustrate their roles in Delhi’s political landscape, using legendary figures to underscore their loyalty and purpose.
On Tuesday, newly appointed Delhi Chief Minister Atishi made symbolic gestures, while Kailash Gahlot, who retains multiple ministerial roles, proclaimed himself as the "Hanuman" to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Gahlot, who serves as the minister for transport, home, administrative reforms, and women and child development, took charge and vowed to continue Kejriwal’s unfinished work. "It is Tuesday today, the day of Hanumanji, and I will work like Hanuman of Arvind Kejriwal and clear all his pending works. The AAP worked well under his leadership and tried to establish Ram Rajya," Gahlot said after assuming office.
Representing Najafgarh, Gahlot expressed optimism about the party's prospects in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections scheduled for February, asserting that Kejriwal would return as Chief Minister. “The people of Delhi will bless us, and Kejriwal will again sit on the chair of Delhi CM. Our CM was and will be Arvind Kejriwal,” he added.
His remarks follow a series of Ramayana-inspired statements from AAP leaders after Kejriwal's resignation. Just a day earlier, Atishi compared her current situation to that of Bharat, Lord Ram’s brother, who governed Ayodhya during Ram’s 14-year exile. “I have the same pain in my heart as Bharat ji had,” she remarked, expressing her commitment to serve as CM for the next four months with the hope of Kejriwal’s return.
Atishi’s decision to leave Kejriwal’s chair empty in her office sparked controversy, with opposition parties accusing her of disrespecting constitutional norms. The BJP and Congress labelled the gesture a “grave insult” to the role of Chief Minister. In response, Atishi explained that the empty chair was a tribute to Kejriwal, likening her temporary leadership to Bharat’s symbolic rule, where he placed Lord Ram’s sandals on the throne.
Additionally, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia had previously drawn parallels between his relationship with Kejriwal and that of Lord Ram and his brother Laxman, reinforcing the party’s narrative of loyalty and devotion to their leader, TOI reported.