New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has chosen Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. The announcement comes after AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal announced to step down as Delhi’s CM. She was among the top contenders along with Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot in the CM’s race. Atishi has been unanimously elected as the leader of the AAP legislative party.

As Atishi is set to take charge as Delhi CM, here are few things to know about her:

Early life & Education

One of the prominent faces of AAP, Atishi Marlena Singh popularly known as ‘Atishi’ was born on 8 June 1981 to Delhi University professors Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi into a Rajput family. Born and brought up in Delhi, Atishi completed her schooling from The Springdales Schools and graduated from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. She is also an Oxford graduate with master’s degree in History. Adding feather in her cap, she is also a Rhodes Scholar. Her middle name ‘Marlena’ is given by her parents which is believed to be a portmanteau of Marx and Lenin.

Personal Life

Atishi is married to Praveen Singh who belongs to a Punjabi Rajput family. Praveen is a researcher and educator associated with institutes like Sambhaavnaa Institute of Public Policy and Politics.

Political Career

Atishi delved into realms of politics back in 2013, when she joined AAP (Aam Aadmi Party). Since then she has held important positions in the party. Her role has been influential in policy formation of Delhi Government. Atishi is the only woman minister in the Delhi Cabinet. In her tenure as minister in the Delhi Cabinet, she holds the highest number of portfolios including Finance, Revenue, PWD, Power, Services, Women and Child development and Education.

Atishi contested General elections in 2019, but lost to former BJP leader Gautam Gambhir.

Rising Stature In Delhi Politics

Her rise in Delhi Politics began with her win in 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly election where she defeated BJP leader Dharambir Singh. She contested from Kalkaji constituency of South Delhi. She was inducted into Delhi government after the resignation of former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia & former Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain. After the arrest of AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal by the ED in Delhi excise policy scam, she played active role in rallying against the BJP.

Atishi’s Notable Works

Atishi played a significant role in enhancing the infrastructure & overall quality of Delhi government schools. In one report, she claimed AAP government has built over 22,711 new classrooms in Delhi since 2015. She instructed the officials to develop hybrid learning strategy for schools in situation like adverse weather conditions. Following this the Delhi government launched Delhi Model Virtual School (DMVS)

With political career spanning over almost 11 years, Atishi has risen to the stature of being a prominent face & lone woman Minister in Delhi government. Now, she is set to take charge as next Delhi CM adding one more laurel for herself.

Also Read: AAP’s BIG Gamble: Atishi’s Rise As Delhi Chief Minister – A Masterstroke Or Political Risk?