NEW DELHI: AAP workers are banking on Atishi Marlena Singh to lead the party as it faces challenges in Kejriwal’s absence.
After Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers are looking at Atishi Marlena Singh to take the party forward. Atishi, known for her instrumental role in Delhi’s education reforms, has garnered considerable respect and support within the party. Her leadership skills and public image make her a strong candidate to lead AAP during this challenging period.
Atishi’s deep involvement in policy-making and her ability to connect with both, party workers and the electorate, position her as a reliable figure to navigate the party through the current crisis. Her experience and vision are seen as crucial for maintaining the party’s momentum and continuing its mission in the face of Kejriwal’s absence.
Following the arrest of Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain, Atishi filled the resulting void within the party. She took over key ministries such as Finance, Education, and PWD, effectively managing them and gaining the trust of Kejriwal and others. Now, with party leaders arrested, the members are look up to Atishi to lead them in the upcoming Assembly elections.
A party insider said that Atishi is popular within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and due to this, some senior party leaders like Sanjay Singh, Raghav Chaddha, Durgesh Pathak, and others appear to be sidelined. The source added that this shift is largely due to Atishi’s notable achievements, her rising public profile, effective policymaking and ability to connect with voters. A political analyst who follows the Aam Adami Party closely said, “Atishi’s growing influence suggests a strategic move by AAP to showcase new leadership and innovative approaches, potentially at the expense of more established leaders.
This change might be aimed at rejuvenating the party’s image and appeal, especially in the wake of challenging circumstances like Kejriwal’s arrest. As a result, the focus on Atishi signifies a potential realignment within the party, prioritising her vision and leadership style to guide AAP in the upcoming assembly election, which is scheduled to be held in February 2025 or before.
Athishi’s administration has their own share of flaws. She could not solve the problem of water scarcity in the national capital, not only this, she also failed to tackle issues of waterlogging, roads, and likewise. Despite the measures taken or strategies implemented, the issue of waterlogging on streets and in public areas during heavy rains continues to persist under her tenure.