Atishi becomes Delhi’s youngest chief minister as Kejriwal resigns

In a political shake-up that could redefine the trajectory of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Arvind Kejriwal has stepped down as the Chief Minister of Delhi, with Atishi Marlena taking over the reins. At 43, Atishi has become the youngest Chief Minister in Delhi’s history and the third woman to hold the position after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj. Her ascension marks a critical moment for the AAP, which faces political headwinds amid ongoing tensions with the central government.

The decision to appoint Atishi as Kejriwal’s successor was made during a closed-door meeting of the AAP legislature, where she was unanimously supported. Atishi’s rise to power comes after years of working closely with Kejriwal, most notably during his tenure as Chief Minister, when she played a central role in managing key portfolios such as education, finance, and water management. Her role has been pivotal, particularly during Kejriwal’s legal troubles and the imprisonment of senior party leaders, when she helped stabilize the party.

Kejriwal tendered his resignation to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, V K Saxena, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, a move seen as part of a larger strategy by the AAP to focus on upcoming assembly elections. Kejriwal’s resignation follows months of pressure from central probe agencies that have been investigating corruption allegations against him and other senior AAP leaders. While Kejriwal has maintained that these investigations are politically motivated, his resignation has been framed as an effort to clear the path for a fresh mandate from the people of Delhi.

Atishi’s leadership is expected to continue the governance model introduced by the AAP, which has focused heavily on reforms in education, healthcare, and public services. Over the past decade, she has been at the forefront of implementing these policies, most notably transforming Delhi’s public education system. Her work earned national recognition and helped position AAP as a governance model that focuses on people-centric policies.

Her appointment as the chief minister also sets the stage for a significant electoral battle in the forthcoming Delhi assembly elections. AAP hopes that the leadership change will help rejuvenate the party’s image and give it an edge in the polls. Political analysts see Atishi as a strong candidate to lead the party, citing her deep involvement in Delhi’s governance and her ability to connect with the electorate.

Despite the challenges ahead, AAP leaders are confident that Atishi can carry forward the work started under Kejriwal’s leadership. Her ability to manage multiple portfolios has earned her the trust of her colleagues, making her the obvious choice to lead the party into the elections. Atishi’s leadership will also make her one of the few female chief ministers in the country, alongside leaders like Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal.

Delhi’s political landscape is likely to be closely watched in the coming months, with Atishi’s rise to power signaling a new era for the AAP. Her tenure is expected to be defined by continuity in governance as well as fresh energy to tackle the challenges the party faces. The transition comes at a critical juncture, with AAP hoping to consolidate its base and win back the confidence of voters ahead of the assembly elections.

Atishi’s appointment also reflects AAP’s broader strategy of empowering younger leaders within the party, a move that could resonate with Delhi’s younger electorate. However, she will need to navigate the complexities of Delhi’s political environment, including the ongoing tussle with the central government and the challenges posed by opposition parties.

As Atishi takes on the mantle of leadership, all eyes will be on how she handles these pressures and leads the party into the next phase of its political journey. Her tenure could mark a turning point for AAP, shaping its future not just in Delhi but also in national politics.