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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BJP MLA Munirathna, 6 others booked for rape, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation
Ramanagara (PTI): A case of rape, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation has been registered against BJP MLA Munirathna and six others, police said on Thursday.
It was registered following the complaint of a 40-year-old woman who alleged that the incident took place at a private resort within the Kaggalipura police station's jurisdiction.
"We received a complaint on Wednesday night and based on it, we have registered case against seven people, including the BJP MLA under various sections for rape by public servant, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, voyeurism, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, Information Technology Act, and others," a senior police officer said.
The matter is being investigated, he said.
The fresh FIR against the BJP MLA, also a former Minister, comes days after he was arrested by the Bengaluru Police in connection with the two cases filed against him for alleged harassment, threats and casteist abuse, police said.
