Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The current challenge for the AAP is to identify a capable leader who can effectively manage both the party’s internal affairs and the governance of Delhi in the absence of Arvind Kejriwal.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 took a major step by arresting Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the alleged liquor scam case, which has caused upheaval within his decade-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and raised doubts about his continuation in office. The ED’s action came shortly after the Delhi High Court rejected Kejriwal’s plea for protection against coercive measures by the agency. This move followed the ED’s issuance of nine summons to Kejriwal, asking his cooperation in their investigation into the excise policy issue.
At present, the real challenge for the AAP lies in identifying a competent leader who can successfully navigate both the party’s affairs and the governance of Delhi in the absence of Kejriwal. The AAP leadership faces a daunting task in identifying a leader whose stature even remotely matches that of Kejriwal, who has served as the party’s convener since its inception in 2011 and held the post of Delhi Chief Minister for three consecutive terms spanning nearly a decade.
More significantly, the urgency of this task is further heightened as the AAP prepares to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls in Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Assam, and Haryana, where Kejriwal was expected to play a key role as the party’s key campaigner.
9 Key Facts About Atishi: AAP’s Prominent Leader
(1) Amid the evolving political dynamics, the spotlight has turned towards Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife and a former IRS officer, as well as AAP government minister Atishi for the role of Delhi Chief Minister. Atishi, 43, entrusted with a diverse array of portfolios within the Delhi government such as education, finance, PWD, revenue, and services, is widely seen as closely aligned with Kejriwal.
Following a reshuffle in June last year, Atishi was assigned a remarkable 12 departments, the most for any minister within the AAP. This significant allocation positioned her as the second-in-command in Kejriwal’s cabinet, highlighting her growing influence and responsibilities within the party and the government.
(2) Additionally, Atishi plays a crucial role as a frontline spokesperson for the party, vigorously defending the AAP government and Kejriwal while launching scathing attacks on the BJP. Her regular appearances in press conferences and on news channels underscore her proactive stance in advocating for the party’s agenda and countering opposition narratives.
(3) Born in 1981 to Delhi University (DU) professors Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, Atishi pursued her education in Delhi. She completed her schooling and undergraduate studies in History at DU’s St Stephen’s College in 2001, following which she attended Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Before entering politics, she taught History and English at the Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh.
(4) Reports suggest that her father named her Atishi Marlena, combining letters from ‘Marx’ and ‘Lenin’. During the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign, Atishi dropped the word “Marlena” from her name due to concerns that it might suggest she was of Christian faith. However, Atishi, who comes from a Punjabi Rajput family, now writes her name as Atishi on social media platforms.
(5) Prior entering into politics, Atishi and her husband Praveen Singh, who holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, founded a commune in 2007. Their aim was to champion the ideals of “gram swaraj” (village self-governance) and “humanistic education.” Based primarily in Madhya Pradesh, they dedicated their efforts to fostering communal living and promoting comprehensive educational values, according to report in the Times of India.
