New Delhi: Following the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia in the controversial liquor policy case, Atishi Marlena Singh, the lone female minister in the Delhi Cabinet, has emerged as the obvious choice to take over the chief ministers role. Arvind Kejriwal, who announced his decision to step down with just months left before the Delhi Assembly election, will hand over leadership to the Kalkaji MLA.Who was in the running for Delhis next CMThe announcement of Kejriwals resignation opened the door to speculation about who would succeed him. While several AAP leaders were floated as potential candidates—including Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and even Kejriwals wife, Sunita Kejriwal—Atishi stood out as the final choice. She had already taken on a significant role in party leadership and public representation after the arrests of Kejriwal and Sisodia, solidifying her standing within the party.Five factors that positioned Atishi for the CM post1. A household name in Delhi politicsWhen Kejriwal was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, Atishi quickly stepped up. Alongside Saurabh Bharadwaj, she played a key role in the partys strategy during the Lok Sabha elections and made the most public appearances to defend the partys leadership. Her media presence during this period earned her widespread recognition, setting the stage for her eventual rise.2. A record-breaking number of portfoliosAtishi became one of Delhis most powerful figures in March 2023, when she and Bharadwaj were appointed ministers in the Delhi Cabinet. After the resignations of Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, both of whom were jailed on corruption and money laundering charges, Atishi took on 14 critical departments, including education, public relations, water, power, and finance. Her broad portfolio cemented her reputation as an effective administrator.3. Education reforms: Cornerstone of AAPs successAtishis most significant contribution has been in the education sector. The Aam Aadmi Party has long prided itself on improving the quality of Delhi government schools, and Atishi played a pivotal role in that transformation. As the head of the Ministry of Education, she advanced initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum and the Happiness Curriculum, both of which have been lauded for focusing on practical skills and mental health in students. Her influence in this arena traces back to her days as an advisor to Manish Sisodia.4. From hunger strikes to water rightsAtishis activism has also made her a recognizable figure among Delhi voters. Her indefinite hunger strike in June, protesting the Haryana governments failure to supply adequate water to Delhi, garnered widespread attention. Her deteriorating health during the strike forced her hospitalization, but the effort underscored her commitment to the publics interests, further boosting her profile.5. Strong middle-class and urban appealAtishis academic credentials—she is a Rhodes Scholar who studied at St. Stephens College, Delhi University, and later at Oxford University—make her a popular figure among Delhis educated middle class and urban voters. Her unique background, which includes a seven-year stint in a small village in Madhya Pradesh where she engaged in organic farming and educational outreach, gives her a broader appeal. Her work in nonprofit organizations before joining AAP in 2013 and her role in drafting the partys 2013 Assembly Manifesto further demonstrate her deep-rooted commitment to public service.As Delhi prepares for a leadership transition, Atishis rise to the forefront of AAP and her impressive portfolio make her the most logical successor to Arvind Kejriwal. With just months to go before the next Delhi Assembly election, her leadership will be critical in shaping AAPs future.
