Atishi Marlena takes oath as youngest Chief Minister of Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi Marlena has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, taking over from Arvind Kejriwal after his resignation earlier this month. Atishi’s appointment makes her the youngest Chief Minister in Delhi’s history at the age of 43, surpassing Kejriwal’s previous record of taking office at 45. She is the third woman to hold the position, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit, and was sworn in on 21 September 2024 in a ceremony led by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena at Raj Niwas.

Atishi has long been a key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party and served in various critical roles, including Finance and Education, under Kejriwal’s leadership. Her rise to the top position has garnered significant attention due to her influential role in transforming Delhi’s education system and her close involvement in financial management. Political observers note that Atishi’s appointment is likely to ensure continuity in governance, especially as Delhi faces significant challenges, including pollution and infrastructure issues.

Despite stepping into the role, Atishi was quick to point out that her mentor Kejriwal remains a central figure in the party. She acknowledged that while she may serve as Chief Minister, Kejriwal’s legacy and leadership continue to influence the AAP’s direction. Her focus will be on sustaining the momentum in the sectors she previously oversaw while addressing the capital’s pressing concerns ahead of the 2025 elections.

Is Atishi poised for long-term leadership?

Atishi’s ascension to the top job has sparked widespread discussion among political analysts. Some experts believe she has the potential to redefine Delhi’s politics with her strong focus on policy and governance, while others suggest that her success will depend on how effectively she can navigate challenges such as air pollution, public health, and infrastructure. Political commentator Yogendra Yadav noted that Atishi’s track record in education reform is commendable, but her ability to address wider governance issues remains to be seen.

While her current term may be brief, with elections approaching in 2025, Atishi’s performance in this period could be crucial for her long-term political career. Her leadership could attract younger, urban voters, an important demographic for AAP as they look to maintain their stronghold in Delhi.