In a significant development for Delhi’s political landscape, Atishi has been sworn in as the third woman Chief Minister of the capital, following in the footsteps of her predecessors. An Oxford graduate with a master’s degree in history, Atishi was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, reflecting her academic excellence and dedication to education.
Atishi’s political journey has been closely tied to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), where she played an instrumental role in drafting the party’s manifesto for the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections. Her work in the education sector, particularly during her time as Delhi’s Minister of Education, has been widely recognized as transformative. In addition to education, Atishi held key portfolios in Public Works, Culture, and Tourism, showcasing her versatility as a leader.
Her first major electoral test came in 2019 when she was appointed as the Lok Sabha in-charge for the East Delhi constituency. Despite a spirited campaign, she lost to BJP’s Gautam Gambhir in that election. However, in 2020, she made a strong comeback by winning the Kalkaji constituency, defeating BJP’s Dharambir Singh.
Atishi’s rise to the position of Chief Minister comes after the resignation of former CM Arvind Kejriwal. Her appointment follows a tumultuous period for the Delhi government, with the exits of key ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain. Atishi was inducted into the cabinet to fill the gap and has since been a prominent figure in Delhi’s administration.
With her extensive background in education and governance, Atishi’s tenure as Chief Minister is expected to bring further innovation to Delhi’s policies, particularly in areas such as public education, infrastructure, and tourism. Many see her as a leader who will continue AAP’s vision of development with a focus on social welfare and inclusion.