Know everything about Atishi Marlena, set to become Delhi's next Chief Minister
New Delhi: Atishi Marlena Singh is poised to take over as Delhi’s next Chief Minister, following her selection as the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) top candidate. The decision was made at a legislative meeting held at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia backing her nomination. This transition comes amid speculation that Kejriwal, a former IRS officer, may soon tender his resignation to the Lieutenant Governor.
The timing of Atishi's appointment is notable, coinciding with the approaching state elections in Delhi. Kejriwal had recently vowed to step down, promising not to assume office again unless the people of Delhi deemed him to be "honest."
Born on June 8, 1981, Atishi is the daughter of professors Tripta Wahi and Vijay Singh. Her middle name "Marlena" is said to be a blend of the names of Marx and Lenin. However, in 2018, ahead of the elections, Atishi decided to drop the middle name in public life, choosing to go simply by "Atishi."
Atishi's educational background is distinguished. After completing her schooling at Springdales School, New Delhi, she graduated in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in history from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. She later attended Oxford University, where she earned her master's degree in history, supported by a Chevening fellowship. In 2005, Atishi furthered her studies at Oxford's Magdalen College as a Rhodes scholar.
Atishi’s political career with AAP began in 2013, and she has played a key role in shaping the party’s policies. She was also part of the well-known Jal Satyagraha in Madhya Pradesh in 2015, lending support to AAP leader Alok Agarwal.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Atishi ran against BJP’s Gautam Gambhir in the East Delhi constituency but lost by a margin of 4.5 lakh votes. In the 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, she contested from the Kalkaji constituency and defeated BJP candidate Dharambir Singh by 11,000 votes.
Following the arrest of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with an excise policy case, Atishi assumed greater responsibilities within the party. In 2023, she was appointed as the Minister for Education, PWD, Culture, and Tourism in the Delhi government. Prior to that, she served as an advisor to Sisodia on educational matters from 2015 to 2018.
Atishi is widely praised for her contributions to transforming Delhi’s education system. She has played a pivotal role in upgrading infrastructure in government schools, forming school management committees, and curbing unjust fee hikes in private institutions. Her innovative "happiness" curriculum, which focuses on the emotional and mental well-being of students, is another notable achievement.
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Stalin claims DMK secured 1.54 crore votes
Chennai (PTI): DMK president M K Stalin on Tuesday, in a veiled reference to the TVK, claimed that the party that won additional constituencies has gained only 17.43 lakh more votes than the DMK.
He was referring to the April 23 Assembly polls where the DMK and its allies secured 74 seats, with the Dravidian party netting 59 constituencies.
In a statement, Stalin said, "the percentage difference in votes between us and them is just 3.52 per cent," in an apparent reference to the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kahzagam emerged victorious in the polls, the results of which were announced on Monday.
Claiming that the DMK alliance has secured 1.54 crore votes, Stalin said, "I consider each and every one of your votes as an invaluable token of trust".
Stating that DMK has been in power several times, he said "there is no victory we have not seen and there is no defeat we have not faced".
"Whether in victory or defeat, those who regard them equally and continue their journey toward their ideals are the comrades of the party", he said adding "you are the lifeblood and roots of the movement".
"The harvest of 1.54 crore votes is the fruit of your commitment", he said.
"What return can I offer for your hard work? With the feeling of being the chief worker, we will continue our journey," the DMK chief added.
Stalin said "if we are the ruling party, we will formulate schemes for the people. If we are the opposition party, we will fight for the people's demands. In that regard, now as a strong opposition party, we will continue to work for the people".
Asserting that the DMK will continue the journey of taking forward the policies of the century-old great Dravidian movement, protecting race, language, and nation, the DMK leader said "in our journey, I will not leave anyone behind. We will win again".
