Atishi Marlena Singh, the only woman serving in Delhi's cabinet, has been chosen by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators to succeed Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister of Delhi. Currently representing the Kalkaji constituency, Atishi handles the most portfolios within the AAP administration and will assume leadership just months before the next Delhi Assembly elections. While other prominent figures in the party, including Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and even Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, were considered for the role, Atishi emerged as the clear frontrunner. Her pivotal role in the party’s operations, especially after the arrests of Kejriwal and former deputy Manish Sisodia due to the liquor policy controversy, solidified her selection.
Atishi, a Rhodes Scholar, stands out as one of the most highly educated leaders within the Aam Aadmi Party, resonating strongly with the party's urban, middle-class supporters. With a solid foundation in education, policy, and governance, she earned her degree from St. Stephen’s College at Delhi University before furthering her studies at Oxford University. Her academic credentials and expertise make her a key figure in the party’s intellectual and policy-driven approach.
Before joining the AAP, Atishi spent seven years in a small village in Madhya Pradesh, where she immersed herself in organic farming and innovative education initiatives. During this time, she worked with various non-profit organizations, which eventually led to her first encounters with AAP members. These experiences have shaped Atishi into a formidable figure, posing a greater challenge to the BJP than to the Congress. The BJP has already sought to undermine her by releasing a poster depicting her as a puppet of Arvind Kejriwal. However, Kejriwal's move to make Atishi the Chief Minister has placed the BJP in a difficult position. As a woman in leadership, she presents a unique challenge, especially for LG Vinay Saxena, who may find it harder to obstruct her on minor issues. The BJP is now grappling with how to respond, particularly if Atishi introduces women-focused initiatives or enacts new laws. Will the LG continue to oppose every proposal as he has done in the past, or will the BJP's strategy involve digging up new controversies against her? Atishi could leverage such attacks, portraying herself as a victim of harassment, which might earn her public sympathy. Meanwhile, AAP MP Swati Maliwal has already given the BJP political ammunition through a post on X (formerly Twitter), where she stated: "Today is a sad day for Delhi. A woman is being appointed as Chief Minister whose family fought to save terrorist Afzal Guru from execution. Her parents submitted mercy petitions to the President, claiming Afzal Guru was innocent and framed as part of a political conspiracy."
Will the BJP capitalize on Swati Maliwal's post during the campaign, and will it resonate with Delhi voters? With Arvind Kejriwal stepping down, the pressure on Atishi has intensified as she takes the reins, facing the expectation of delivering results in a short time. All eyes are now on her, and the weight of responsibility is significant. The Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the central government may see her as more malleable compared to Kejriwal, potentially subjecting her to closer scrutiny and attempts at manipulation.
Atishi's ascent to the Chief Minister's office, combined with Kejriwal rallying for public sympathy and seeking a "certificate of honesty" from the streets, could create a potent mix that forces the BJP to rethink its strategy. The party may have to decide whether to bring forward Bansuri Swaraj, the daughter of former BJP CM Sushma Swaraj, or deploy Smriti Irani, who has been notably active in Delhi’s political scene lately. As for the Congress, still struggling to find its footing in the capital, its next move remains uncertain.
While Kejriwal has faced physical attacks and public stunts in the past—being slapped and having ink thrown at him—the BJP is unlikely to resort to similar gimmicks against Atishi. Her position as a woman leader and the dynamics of her new role change the game entirely.
While many view Kejriwal’s resignation as a political masterstroke, a more practical interpretation reveals it as a strategic move. By stepping down, Kejriwal has turned the upcoming Delhi elections into a referendum on his personal integrity. With the elections still six months away, he has shifted the focus, leaving rival parties scrambling to adjust their strategies. Meanwhile, he has freed himself to concentrate on broader political campaigns in Haryana, Maharashtra, and other states. This calculated move leaves his opponents uncertain, while he proceeds with a clear, well-defined plan.
There's no denying that Kejriwal is a shrewd politician, and the BJP has every reason to be cautious of his moves. However, whether he can replicate his previous sweeping mandate in Delhi remains a big question, making this election a crucial battle for him. Atishi’s appointment as Chief Minister may be a temporary measure to ensure smooth governance, allowing Kejriwal to focus on his broader campaign. This latest shift in the Aam Aadmi Party signals a new phase for Kejriwal, one where he operates entirely on his own terms. This change is likely to unsettle the BJP, which is still struggling to establish a strong presence in Delhi. The central issue now becomes clear for voters: Who can truly stand against Kejriwal?
(Views are personal. Email: dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)