On September 21, Atishi will make history by becoming Delhi’s third female Chief Minister, following in the footsteps of BJP’s Sushma Swaraj and Congress’ Sheila Dikshit. Her rise to the top comes at a pivotal moment for both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Delhi government, as the city heads toward the assembly elections early next year. With major schemes in progress and upcoming electoral battles, Atishi’s leadership will be under intense scrutiny.
Taking Charge at a Crucial Time
Atishi’s elevation is not just a political milestone for her but a significant moment for AAP. The party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, is eager to retain its hold on Delhi in the upcoming polls. As Chief Minister, Atishi will need to focus on speeding up various pending initiatives that aim to benefit Delhi’s citizens. Key among these are the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, the Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, and the continued doorstep delivery of services.
With just months left before the elections, the task ahead is monumental. The government will be aiming to translate its policies into visible results that can sway voters in its favor. Atishi, who has been seen as a capable leader within the party, will need to act swiftly and decisively.
A Leader for Challenging Times
Atishi has often found herself stepping up in challenging situations. Her inclusion in the Delhi cabinet in 2023 was a direct result of the political turbulence caused by the arrest of Manish Sisodia, then Deputy Chief Minister and a key ally of Kejriwal, in the excise policy case. Along with Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi took on the responsibility of managing crucial portfolios after the resignation of Sisodia and Satyendar Jain.
Having handled 13 major portfolios in the Kejriwal government, including finance, revenue, education, and the public works department, Atishi is no stranger to governance. Her experience in managing these critical departments will likely serve her well as she steps into the role of Delhi’s Chief Minister.
From the Background to the Spotlight
Atishi’s political journey with AAP began in 2013, but she remained largely behind the scenes, contributing to the party’s education policy as an adviser. It wasn’t until 2019 that she entered electoral politics, contesting the Lok Sabha elections from East Delhi. Although she lost to BJP’s Gautam Gambhir, it marked her transition into a more prominent political role.
Atishi’s rise within AAP has been steady and strategic. In 2020, she was elected as the MLA from Kalkaji, further cementing her position in the party. Her close working relationship with Kejriwal and Sisodia, combined with her performance in handling key departments, made her the obvious choice to succeed Kejriwal when the need arose.
A Scholarly Background
Atishi’s academic credentials are impressive. Born to Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, both professors at Delhi University, she excelled academically from an early age. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, where she topped her batch. She later went on to pursue postgraduate degrees in Education and History from the prestigious University of Oxford.
Interestingly, before entering active politics, Atishi dropped her surname “Marlena,” a blending of Marx and Lenin. This decision was made to ensure that her political ideology wouldn’t be misinterpreted as influenced by her name.
The Road Ahead
Atishi’s appointment as Chief Minister comes at a time when Delhi is at a crossroads. With the elections looming and significant work still to be done, her leadership will be closely monitored not only by the electorate but also by her party. The confidence that Kejriwal and Sisodia have in her abilities has propelled her to this new height. Now, it’s up to Atishi to translate that trust into tangible outcomes for the people of Delhi.
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