Atishi, a key national figure of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), one of the most important political startups from the last decade in Indian history, has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi. Atishi, 43, takes over the position from Arvind Kejriwal, who stepped down following corruption allegations related to a controversial liquor policy. Her appointment makes her the third woman to hold the office in Delhi, following the footsteps of political heavyweights like Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.
Atishi’s rise to power has been rapid. Known for her strong academic credentials, she earned two postgraduate degrees from the University of Oxford after completing her undergraduate studies at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. She initially worked in social development and self-governance in rural India before joining politics. Her political career began when she joined the anti-corruption movement led by Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, which eventually gave birth to AAP in 2012.
After the formation of AAP, Atishi quickly became a significant voice in the party, working behind the scenes on policy matters, particularly in education. Her contributions to Delhi’s public-school system have earned her widespread recognition, and she has been credited with implementing major reforms that improved both the infrastructure and quality of education in the capital.
Atishi first contested elections in 2019, where she lost to the BJP’s Gautam Gambhir in the East Delhi constituency. However, her influence within AAP continued to grow, and she was appointed as a cabinet minister in the Delhi government after the 2020 elections. By 2023, following the arrests of Kejriwal and Sisodia, she became the de facto leader of the party in the Delhi assembly, managing critical portfolios like education, finance, and public works.
Her political journey has not been without controversy. The political association of her parents, Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, both former professors of history at the University of Delhi, with Marxist ideologies, reflected in her original surname ‘Marlena,’ became a point of debate within her party and among political opponents. In 2018, she dropped the name to focus on her political persona, adopting ‘Atishi’ as her sole public identity. Critics have accused her of shifting towards a ‘soft Hindutva’ stance, aligning with some Hindu nationalist sentiments when the capital was faced with communal troubles, a move seen by many as an attempt to counter BJP’s dominance.
However, her supporters argue that Atishi’s focus has remained on public welfare. Her work in revamping public schools and her involvement in AAP’s policies, including free bus rides for women and healthcare subsidies, have been seen as efforts to uplift marginalised communities, despite political accusations.
Atishi’s appointment as Chief Minister is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for AAP. Kejriwal, who resigned under pressure but vowed to return to office through the upcoming elections, continues to be the party’s face.
As Delhi’s new leader, Atishi faces several challenges. AAP is under scrutiny for the corruption allegations, and Atishi’s leadership will be tested as she navigates the party through this turbulent period. Her ability to maintain public trust while pushing forward AAP’s welfare agenda will likely determine both her and the party’s future in the February elections.
