In a pivotal move that has sent shockwaves through Delhi’s political landscape, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has unanimously chosen Atishi Marlena as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. This decision was confirmed in a meeting of the party’s legislators on Tuesday, following Arvind Kejriwal’s announcement of his resignation. Kejriwal, who was recently released from jail, has stated he will only return to politics if the people grant him a “certificate of honesty.”
Atishi Marlena, currently serving as a prominent figure within the party and holding multiple key portfolios—including finance, education, and public works department (PWD)—is set to take on the role of Chief Minister. Despite her significant role in the Delhi government, her appointment has sparked considerable controversy due to her family’s past political affiliations and actions.
Controversial Family Ties and Public Outcry
A large segment of netizens and political leaders has expressed grave concerns about Atishi’s appointment, primarily due to her family’s involvement in controversial political activities. Critics have questioned how a woman whose parents were reportedly involved in efforts to save Afzal Guru, a convicted terrorist, can be entrusted with such a sensitive and powerful position.
Afzal Guru was the mastermind behind the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, which resulted in the deaths of six policemen and two Parliament Security Service personnel. Following an exhaustive judicial process, Guru was convicted and sentenced to death. The Supreme Court upheld this sentence, highlighting the substantial evidence against Guru and his critical role in the attack.
#WATCH | Delhi: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal says, “This is an extremely unfortunate day for Delhi. A woman like Atishi is going to become the CM of Delhi, whose own family fought a long battle to save terrorist Afzal Guru from death penalty. Her parents wrote mercy petitions… pic.twitter.com/Tr1Qgvq54C
— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2024
Atishi Marlena herself has validated the claim that her parents, Vijay Kumar Singh and Tripta Wahi, wrote mercy pleas in a bid to save Afzal Guru. Despite this acknowledgment, she has attempted to distance herself from her parents’ actions, stating that she did not support their decision. In an interview with AmarUjala, Atishi remarked, “I am not responsible for any political step taken by my parents. The responsibility and accountability is theirs and they are fully capable of saying what they want to say. From my point of view, I was not in support of that step.”
दिल्ली के लिए आज बहुत दुखद दिन है। आज दिल्ली की मुख्यमंत्री एक ऐसी महिला को बनाया जा रहा है जिनके परिवार ने आतंकवादी अफ़ज़ल गुरु को फांसी से बचाने की लंबी लड़ाई लड़ी।
उनके माता पिता ने आतंकी अफ़ज़ल गुरु को बचाने के लिए माननीय राष्ट्रपति को दया याचिकाऐं लिखी।
उनके हिसाब से… pic.twitter.com/SbllONqVP0
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) September 17, 2024
Political and Security Concerns
The appointment of Atishi as Chief Minister has been met with skepticism and concern from various quarters. Estranged AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has voiced her apprehensions, describing the decision as a “sad day for Delhi.” Maliwal highlighted the perceived risks associated with having a leader whose family has been involved in actions perceived as supportive of terrorist activities. She stressed, “Today is a very sad day for Delhi. Today, a woman whose family fought a long battle to save terrorist Afzal Guru from being hanged is being made the Chief Minister of Delhi. His parents wrote mercy petitions to the Honorable President to save terrorist Afzal Guru. Although Atishi Marlena is just a ‘dummy CM’, this issue is related to the security of the country. May God protect Delhi!”
Family Background and Controversies
Atishi Marlena’s family background has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Her parents, both known for their communist leanings, have been linked to various controversial figures and ideologies. Tripta Wahi has been associated with SAR Geelani, a prominent separatist and terrorist sympathizer, while her father, Prof. Vijay Kumar Singh, has edited a communist propaganda website and is linked to the ‘Stalin Society,’ a group dedicated to defending the legacy of Joseph Stalin.
Critics have pointed out that Atishi’s surname, Marlena, was chosen to honor her parents’ communist influences, adding another layer of controversy. The close association of her family with anti-India sentiments and communist ideologies raises questions about her own political leanings and potential implications for Delhi’s governance.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The public reaction to Atishi’s appointment has been polarized. While some supporters argue that her qualifications and experience make her a suitable candidate for Chief Minister, the backlash has been significant. The media coverage has largely focused on her family’s controversial past, amplifying the concerns voiced by critics and political adversaries.
Reports have detailed Atishi’s track record in Delhi’s Education Department, where she has been credited with various reforms but also faced criticism for perceived inefficiencies and policy issues. The intersection of her family’s controversial political history with her professional role has compounded the skepticism surrounding her appointment.
Overview
As Atishi Marlena prepares to step into the role of Chief Minister of Delhi, the controversy surrounding her appointment highlights the deep-seated political and public concerns about her family’s past actions and affiliations. With Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation and the weight of these accusations, Atishi’s tenure will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized. The critical question remains: Can she navigate the challenges of her new role while addressing the significant concerns raised about her and her family’s political legacy? Only time will tell how this appointment will impact Delhi’s political landscape and governancevv
