Atishi's Journey to Top: From Changemaker to Delhi Chief Minister

New Delhi: Atishi Marlena will become the new Chief Minister of Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party announced on Tuesday. This crucial announcement comes after a crucial meeting was held at CM Arvind Kejriwal 's residence today where he proposed the Delhi Minister's name, and Kejriwal announced his resignation this week after he was released from jail.

Atishi, the Kalkaji lawmaker, holds several key portfolios in the Kejriwal-led government such as finance, education, Public Works Department, power, revenue, law, planning, services, vigilance and Information and Publicity. She has been a key member of AAP's Manifesto Drafting Committee for the 2013 Assembly Elections and played a crucial role in shaping the contours of the party during its early stages.

Who is Atishi?

• Atishi Marlena was born on June 8, 1981, to a professor couple at Delhi University. As per media reports her parents named her "Atishi Marlena" by combining "Marz" and "Lenin." However, Atishi dropped her last name during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to avoid confusion about her religious background as many assumed her to be Christian.
• Born into a Punjabi-Rajput family, Atishi now uses the name "Atishi AAP" on her social media accounts, showcasing her strong stand with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
• Atishi is one of the prominent faces of AAP. Her early involvement and efforts with the party have solidified her as a significant leader within the ranks.  In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she was among the first candidates announced by the party representing East Delhi. 
• An MLA from Kalkaji, Atishi is a member of the Political Affairs Committee of the Aam Aadmi Party and is currently serving as Minister of Education, PWD, Culture and Tourism in the Delhi Government.
• She also served as Advisor to the Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, primarily on education, from July 2015 to 17 April 2018.