New Delhi : In a significant political development, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi Marlena has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. This decision was unanimously made by AAP MLAs during an internal meeting, marking a historic moment as Atishi becomes the first woman to hold this crucial position in the capital’s legislature.
Atishi’s appointment comes in the wake of AAP’s transition from the ruling party to the main opposition, following the recent Delhi Assembly elections in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a majority. Despite the electoral setback, AAP has vowed to play the role of a strong and responsible opposition, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
Addressing the media after her appointment, Atishi expressed her gratitude to party leader Arvind Kejriwal and her colleagues for their trust and support. “I take this responsibility with great commitment. AAP will ensure that the promises made to the people of Delhi by the ruling BJP are fulfilled. We will fight for the rights of Delhiites and hold the government accountable for every commitment it has made,” she said.
Atishi also highlighted key issues that AAP plans to raise in the Assembly, including concerns about education, healthcare, electricity, and women’s welfare. She specifically mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to provide ₹2,500 per month to women in Delhi, stating that AAP would closely monitor the implementation of this scheme and demand answers if it is not delivered on time.
As the Assembly gears up for its first session under the new government, Atishi is expected to take on an active role in questioning policy decisions, scrutinizing government expenditures, and advocating for the interests of Delhi’s citizens. AAP has signaled that it will continue its fight for full statehood for Delhi and push back against any attempts to weaken the powers of the elected government.
Arvind Kejriwal, who led the party through a decade of governance in Delhi, congratulated Atishi on her new role, expressing confidence in her leadership. “Atishi is a dedicated and fearless leader who has always worked for the people of Delhi. She will be a strong voice for the people inside the Assembly,” Kejriwal said in a statement.
Atishi’s political journey has been marked by her contributions to Delhi’s education reforms and governance initiatives. As a minister in the previous AAP government, she played a pivotal role in improving government schools, introducing innovative learning programs, and enhancing teacher training. Her leadership as LoP is expected to bring a data-driven and issue-based approach to opposition politics in the capital.
The upcoming session of the Delhi Assembly, beginning this week, will be the first major test of Atishi’s leadership in her new role. Political analysts believe that with her articulate debating skills and policy expertise, she will challenge the BJP government effectively while keeping AAP’s core agenda in focus.
With Delhi’s political landscape shifting significantly, all eyes will be on how Atishi Marlena shapes the role of the opposition in the months ahead.
Dhanya Reddy S
Alma Media School Student
