Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi Marlena is poised to take over as the next Chief Minister of Delhi, following Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to step down from the position. Kejriwal proposed her name, and she is expected to lead the National Capital Territory of Delhi, with reports indicating there will be no Deputy Chief Minister this time.
Currently serving as a Cabinet Minister in the Government of NCT of Delhi, Atishi oversees several crucial portfolios, including Finance, Planning, Education, Public Works Department (PWD), Power, and Water, among others. She also represents the Kalkaji constituency as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Atishi entered politics during the India Against Corruption movement in 2012 and has since been recognized for her contributions to education and social activism.
Educational Background
Atishi completed her schooling at Springdales School, Delhi, and later pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in History from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. Her academic excellence earned her the Sumitomo-St. Stephen’s Scholarship and the Rajpal Memorial Award for overall contribution to college life.
She furthered her studies at the University of Oxford, where she earned a Master of Arts in Ancient and Modern History (2001-2003). Atishi ranked third in her batch and was awarded the prestigious Radhakrishnan-Chevening Scholarship. She also received the Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Educational Research at Oxford.
Political Journey
Atishi, the only woman in Delhi’s current cabinet, has been actively involved in public service and governance. Her contributions to improving Delhi’s education system have been widely acknowledged. She has now been selected by AAP legislators to succeed Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi’s Chief Minister, a critical move ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.