The Aam Aadmi Party has had the reins of power in Delhi for over a decade, yet its DNA, born out of a movement, often inclines towards opposition. It seems that even while in power, the party mirrors its opposition roots. Presently, as the party transitions to the opposition benches, Atishi's early actions reveal her natural flair for the role. Atishi's adept handling of the nascent Delhi government demonstrates her competence, suggesting the public might see her as a permanent Leader of Opposition. In a time when a robust opposition is rare, her role becomes even more critical. Despite her previous tenure, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal viewed her as an interim CM. However, circumstances have now necessitated Kejriwal to bestow Atishi with the role of opposition leader in the Delhi Assembly. Let's examine how Atishi has pivoted her focus to holding the BJP government accountable.
Atishi's Response to the CAG Report
The anticipation was that the CAG report would silence the Aam Aadmi Party when presented in the assembly. Yet, the opposite occurred. Atishi skillfully countered the ruling party, defending the excise policy developed during Kejriwal's leadership, previously retracted over allegations of irregularities. Atishi extracted counterarguments from the report to challenge the BJP effectively. She highlighted the excise audit report from 2017 to 2021, exposing flaws in the old liquor policy, citing continuous smuggling issues from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The new liquor policy had aimed to curb these issues and halt the revenue deficit for Delhi's government. In a press conference, Atishi pointed to the report's eighth chapter, affirming the policy's transparency and anti-smuggling measures, which should have boosted revenue as evidenced in Punjab, where similar policies resulted in a 65% increase in excise revenue from 2021 to 2025. Had the policy been implemented properly, revenues could have grown from INR 4,108 Crore to INR 8,911 Crore in a single year.
Atishi asserted the lack of implementation of the policy resulted in a revenue shortfall of INR 2,000 Crore for Delhi. She called for accountability and investigation into this oversight, naming the Delhi LG, CBI, and ED as responsible parties. The AAP demands inspections, FIRs, and corrective action against these entities based on the CAG report.
Controversy Over Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh's Photographs
In an attempt to rectify an AAP mishap, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta adjusted the placement of Ambedkar's photograph in her office. However, Atishi's vocal criticism turned this action into a contentious issue, challenging BJP's leaders. Atishi accused the BJP of disrespecting Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh by questioning if BJP regards PM Narendra Modi as superior to these iconic figures. Atishi framed this as an exhibit of BJP's broader anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh sentiment. Atishi's deft critique left BJP fumbling for a retort.
The Issue of Monthly Financial Assistance for Women
In its inaugural cabinet meeting, the Delhi BJP government stalled the implementation of a pre-poll promise to provide monthly INR 2,500 allowances to women. Atishi vehemently attacked the government on this issue. On the assembly session's first day, Atishi staged a protest symbolically in front of the Chief Minister, supported by AAP legislators, demanding accountability for the delay via placards asking, 'When will INR 2,500 arrive?' BJP leader and Deputy CM Pravesh Verma remarked that such intrusions by the opposition during the first meeting were inappropriate.
Could Atishi Diminish Arvind Kejriwal's Aura?
AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal is gradually rising among the nation's prominent leaders, though his recent challenges have somewhat dulled his shine. With both BJP's Delhi and central strategies targeting him, and the Congress edging out opportunities for his rise, he faces scrutiny from several quarters, including alleged scams. The BJP government seems poised to wield the CAG report in a tightening noose. Meanwhile, Atishi remains resolute in her confrontational stance. Many rivals have faded from the scene, with Kejriwal having labeled her an ad interim CM. Never did Kejriwal proclaim Atishi's capability to potentially lead Delhi in the future, possibly wary of a potential betrayal akin to that by Jitan Ram Manjhi. Should Atishi persist in challenging BJP over the next five years, Kejriwal's ability to undermine her may prove limited.
Was Atishi Targeted by Arvind Kejriwal?
It's plausible that Kejriwal entrusted Atishi with the Chief Minister role, viewing her as his closest ally. Yet, political history is replete with tales of betrayal by trusted confidantes, sometimes not out of malice but sheer allure of power. Indian politics sees parallels in figures like Jitan Ram Manjhi, contrasted with the loyalty of Panneerselvam. Post-election on February 8, and Atishi's celebratory dance may lend credence to BJP leader Anurag Thakur and Pravesh Verma's allegations. Even AAP's dissenting Swati Maliwal questions how leaders such as Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Bhardwaj faltered while Atishi reveled in her victory. Despite contest setbacks, Atishi’s contentment is evident as none of her former allies joined her in the assembly.
BJP representative Anurag Thakur accused Kejriwal of systematically dismantling his leadership cadre within AAP, successively eliminating founding members, including Atishi Marlena, during elections. Allegedly, even during the campaign, he declined to deploy campaign posters with Atishi, anticipating her loss—a miscalculation. History suggests ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’, potentially explaining Atishi’s elation amid allies’ defeat.
Through her diligence and unyielding spirit, Atishi stands as a beacon of opposition strength. Her narrative against the ruling party has resonated, cementing her role as a formidable leader who continues to shape Delhi's political discourse in extraordinary ways.
