In a significant political development, Atishi, the Chief Minister of Delhi, tendered her resignation to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on February 9, 2025. This move came in the wake of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) substantial loss in the recent Delhi Assembly elections.
Election Outcome and Resignation
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a decisive victory, securing 48 out of the 70 assembly seats, marking its return to power in Delhi after 27 years. The AAP, led by Atishi, managed to win only 22 seats, a significant decline from its previous tally of 62 seats in the 2020 elections. The Congress party failed to secure any seats in the polls held on February 5.
Despite retaining her seat in the Kalkaji constituency by defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri, Atishi decided to step down from her role as Chief Minister. She submitted her resignation at Raj Niwas, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor.
Atishi’s Tenure as Chief Minister
Atishi assumed the role of Chief Minister in September 2024, following the resignation of her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, amid corruption allegations. During her tenure, she focused on various developmental initiatives and governance reforms. Her leadership, however, faced challenges, culminating in the party’s recent electoral defeat.
Political Implications and Future Prospects
The BJP’s return to power in Delhi signifies a major political shift in the capital’s governance. The party’s emphasis on governance, law and order, and infrastructure development resonated with urban voters, contributing to its electoral success. This victory underscores the BJP’s growing influence in urban centers, particularly among middle-class voters who previously supported the AAP.
For the AAP, the election results present a critical juncture. The party, once seen as a formidable force in Delhi politics, now faces the challenge of rebuilding its base and addressing internal issues. The resignation of Atishi, a prominent leader within the party, adds to the uncertainties surrounding AAP’s future trajectory.
Atishi’s Political Journey
Born on June 8, 1981, in Delhi, Atishi Marlena Singh is an Indian politician affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party. She completed her education at Delhi University and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Atishi joined the AAP in 2013 and played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s policies. She served as an advisor to the then Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, focusing on education reforms. In 2020, she was elected as a member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, representing the Kalkaji constituency. Her tenure as Chief Minister, which began in September 2024, was marked by efforts to implement progressive policies and improve public services.
Conclusion
Atishi’s resignation marks the end of a significant chapter in Delhi’s political landscape. As the BJP prepares to form the new government, the focus will likely shift to how the party addresses the capital’s pressing issues and fulfills its electoral promises. Meanwhile, the AAP faces the task of introspection and restructuring to regain its foothold in Delhi politics.
