Atishi Marlena has recently been appointed as the Chief Minister of Delhi, succeeding Arvind Kejriwal. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in her political journey, which began with her election as an MLA from Kalkaji. Atishi has held several influential positions within the Delhi government, including Minister for Education, Public Works, Culture, and Tourism. Her new role as Chief Minister makes her only the third woman to assume this office, following the tenures of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.
Key Achievements and Roles
Throughout her career, Atishi has been a prominent member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and served on its Political Affairs Committee. She has been instrumental in driving reforms in the education sector, showcasing her commitment to improving public services. Before her appointment as Chief Minister, Atishi managed multiple portfolios, including Finance, Planning, Public Works Department (PWD), Water, Power, Education, Higher Education, TTE, Services, Public Relations, and Vigilance. Her role as the only woman minister in the Delhi Cabinet and her oversight of 11 departments highlight her extensive influence within the government.
Educational Background
Atishi Marlena’s academic background is distinguished. She completed her undergraduate studies at St. Stephen’s College, where she was a top student at Delhi University. Her pursuit of higher education led her to Oxford University, where she initially secured a master’s degree through a Chevening scholarship. She furthered her studies with a second master’s degree in educational research from Oxford in 2006, as a Rhodes Scholar. This strong educational foundation has significantly shaped her approach to policy and governance.
Net Worth and Financial Details
According to her most recent election affidavit, Atishi Marlena’s net worth is approximately Rs 1.41 crore. Her financial portfolio includes around Rs 30,000 in cash, Rs 1.22 crore in bank and fixed deposits, and an LIC health insurance policy valued at Rs 5 lakh. Atishi is notably conservative in her financial dealings, opting for traditional savings methods rather than investments in stocks or real estate. She has no reported liabilities, reflecting a cautious approach to her finances.
Personal Life and Marriage
Atishi is married to Praveen Singh, who holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Before entering politics, Atishi and Praveen founded a commune in 2007 in Madhya Pradesh, aimed at promoting “gram swaraj” (village self-governance) and “humanistic education.” Their work focused on communal living and comprehensive educational values, reflecting their commitment to social and educational reform.
Role in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Atishi Marlena has been a key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) since its inception in January 2013. She played a significant role in the party’s policy-making processes and participated in major events like the Water Satyagraha in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. Despite her defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from East Delhi, where she lost to BJP’s Gautam Gambhir by a margin of 4.77 lakh votes, her dedication to the party and its causes remained unwavering.
Future Prospects
As Delhi’s new Chief Minister, Atishi is expected to build on her extensive experience and dedication to public service. Her leadership will likely focus on continuing and expanding the reforms she has championed, addressing key issues in education and public welfare, and driving forward the vision of the Aam Aadmi Party. Her appointment signals a new chapter in Delhi’s governance, with an emphasis on innovation and inclusive growth.
