In a surprising turn of events, Atishi Marlena is set to become the next Chief Minister of Delhi as Arvind Kejriwal is expected to step down today. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made the decision to appoint the 43-year-old leader to helm the Delhi government until the next assembly elections, marking a pivotal moment for both Atishi and the AAP.
Atishi Marlena rise to Prominence in AAP
Atishi’s journey within the AAP is a testament to her steady rise through the party ranks, beginning as an advisor and evolving into a prominent leader. A Rhodes Scholar with a degree in history from Oxford University, Atishi Marlena has been closely associated with the party’s efforts to transform Delhi’s education system, a key element of AAP’s governance and electoral strategy.
Her role as an education advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia from 2015 onwards allowed her to make significant contributions to revamping government schools in Delhi. Under her guidance, these schools underwent transformative changes, which became one of AAP’s flagship achievements. Her success in this role garnered public attention and laid the foundation for her broader political involvement.
A Steady Climb Amid Challenges
Despite her close association with AAP leadership, Atishi’s political journey has not been without challenges. In 2015, her position in the party seemed threatened when AAP expelled founding members Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, both of whom she was reportedly close to. Fearing she might align with the dissenters, the party temporarily removed her from the spokespersons’ list.
However, Atishi Marlena quickly rebounded by publicly siding with Kejriwal and the central AAP leadership. This decision proved crucial to her political career, and soon after, she returned to a key role within the party, particularly focusing on policy and its implementation.
Entering the Political Fray
Atishi’s foray into electoral politics began with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when she was fielded against BJP’s Gautam Gambhir in East Delhi. Despite a well-fought campaign, she lost the seat. Nevertheless, her defeat did little to dampen her political aspirations. A year later, Atishi Marlena won the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections from the Kalkaji constituency, reinforcing her standing within the party.
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Her victory in Kalkaji allowed her to broaden her portfolio, eventually handling a range of critical government departments. Atishi Marlena took on Education, Public Works, Water, Revenue, and Law, among other portfolios, especially after the arrests of key AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. Her increasing responsibilities cemented her status as one of AAP’s top leaders.
The Road to Becoming Chief Minister
As Kejriwal announced his impending resignation during a speech on Sunday, Atishi’s name quickly emerged as the most likely successor. Kejriwal even revealed that he had sent a letter to the Lieutenant Governor, requesting that Atishi Marlena be allowed to unfurl the national flag on August 15 in his place, though the letter was reportedly returned undelivered.
In Kejriwal’s absence, the AAP leadership appears to be looking toward Atishi Marlena to continue their momentum, particularly among women voters. With a woman now set to head the Delhi government, the AAP could be signaling a strategic move to consolidate its appeal among female constituents, a demographic Kejriwal has actively courted over the years.
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Atishi’s appointment also comes at a time when the party is dealing with significant legal challenges. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia are currently embroiled in the Delhi liquor policy case, with the latter having been arrested. Despite these hurdles, AAP remains focused on maintaining control of Delhi’s government and fulfilling its policy objectives.
AAP’s Strategy Moving Forward
The AAP’s choice of Atishi Marlena as Kejriwal’s successor appears to be a calculated decision aimed at maintaining continuity in governance while also signaling a fresh start. With her background in education and governance, Atishi Marlena is seen as someone who can uphold the party’s core principles while managing the complexities of leading a city-state like Delhi.
Atishi Marlena has already demonstrated her ability to manage high-stakes political situations. She played a key role in the AAP’s strategy during the 2022 Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections, helping the party secure a majority. In the subsequent mayoral and standing committee elections, Atishi was instrumental in coordinating the party’s tactics and ensuring cohesion among its councillors.
Her rise through the ranks and ability to navigate internal party dynamics, public policy, and electoral challenges has made her the natural choice to lead Delhi at this critical juncture.
What’s Ahead
As Delhi’s new Chief Minister, Atishi Marlena will face several immediate challenges. The ongoing legal cases involving senior AAP leaders pose a potential risk to the party’s stability. Additionally, managing the complex governance issues of Delhi, a city with unique administrative structures and constraints, will be no small task. However, Atishi’s extensive experience in managing key departments and her strong rapport with party leaders position her well to take on these responsibilities.
At the same time, Atishi’s appointment is likely to be seen as a positive step toward empowering women in leadership roles within Indian politics. With her at the helm, the AAP will be eager to continue its focus on governance, education, and social welfare, while navigating the political landscape leading up to the next Delhi Assembly elections.
Conclusion
Atishi’s appointment as the new Chief Minister of Delhi marks a significant chapter in her political journey and the Aam Aadmi Party’s history. As she steps into Kejriwal’s shoes, the road ahead is filled with both opportunities and challenges. With her proven track record in education and governance, Atishi Marlena is poised to lead Delhi into its next phase, all while ensuring the AAP’s continued relevance in the national political arena.
The coming months will determine how she handles the pressures of leading a city as politically charged as Delhi, but one thing is certain: Atishi’s rise to the top is a clear signal of AAP’s confidence in her leadership abilities
