Atishi Marlena, Delhi’s newly appointed temporary Chief Minister, encountered her first major challenge just hours after assuming office. The initial order she signed, which she had hoped would mark her entry into the role, was swiftly rejected by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG). The order, which aimed to appoint a senior IAS officer as her Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), was sent back by the LG with the instruction that the move was beyond her legal authority. This early setback has cast a shadow on her leadership and raised concerns about her administrative capabilities.
The First Misstep: Overstepping Authority
Atishi’s first directive after taking office was to appoint an IAS officer from the 1994 batch as ACS to the Chief Minister, granting the officer a high-level pay scale typically reserved for top-ranking officials. However, according to constitutional guidelines and the limits of her position, Atishi does not have the power to appoint someone to the ACS level for her personal staff. The LG pointed out that the highest-ranking official she could assign would be a Principal Secretary.
This order was not only outside of Atishi’s jurisdiction but also lacked proper communication. Reports surfaced that she had not even consulted the officer in question before signing the order. The officer expressed surprise at the decision, stating that they were not even informed or approached about the position. These administrative oversights made the entire situation more contentious.
Atishi’s Background and the High Expectations
Atishi has long been hailed as one of the most educated and progressive leaders in Delhi’s political scene. With an academic background from St. Stephen’s College and Oxford, she has been considered a critical thinker and an advocate for educational reforms. Over the years, she played a vital role in shaping Delhi’s education policies under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, gaining a reputation as a competent leader.
However, her sudden appointment as Chief Minister, following Arvind Kejriwal’s legal troubles in connection with the liquor scam, placed her in an unusual position. While she had managed various ministries with diligence, the CM position, even if temporary, requires acute knowledge of governance and the constitutional boundaries of power. Many expected Atishi to rise to the occasion, but this early misstep has sparked criticism.
Prashant Bhushan’s Criticism: A Clash of Mentors
In a sharp attack, Prashant Bhushan, a former AAP leader and a well-known lawyer, criticized Atishi’s leadership and took a jab at the governance of the AAP government. In a tweet, Bhushan sarcastically remarked that Kejriwal’s “slippers” might as well occupy the Chief Minister’s chair, alluding to the idea that Atishi was merely a figurehead acting under Kejriwal’s instructions. Bhushan’s tweet implied that the government was running like a puppet show, with Atishi being a mere pawn rather than a real decision-maker.
This attack from Bhushan is significant because he was once a key mentor to Atishi, guiding her political journey. He was also a close associate of her parents, both of whom were part of a left-leaning activist community. Bhushan’s fallout with the AAP leadership, especially with Kejriwal, during the party’s internal rift years ago had led to his exit, but Atishi had chosen to stay with Kejriwal. The tension between Bhushan and Kejriwal resurfaced with this critique of Atishi’s actions.
Swati Maliwal Joins the Chorus of Criticism
Adding to Atishi’s woes, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal also took to Twitter to criticize the new Chief Minister. Maliwal’s tweet highlighted the growing problems in Delhi, such as crumbling infrastructure, rampant pollution, and inadequate water supply, questioning how Atishi and the AAP government plan to address these pressing concerns.
Maliwal’s sarcastic commentary mirrored the sentiments of many Delhiites who have grown frustrated with the AAP government’s focus on internal politics rather than on governance. As Delhi prepares for its annual struggle with severe pollution levels, exacerbated by stubble burning in neighboring states, Maliwal’s comments resonated with citizens worried about the city’s deteriorating environmental and civic conditions.
The Larger Political Context: Kejriwal and the AAP’s Decline
The controversy surrounding Atishi’s first day as Chief Minister is part of a larger political narrative unfolding within the AAP. Arvind Kejriwal, the party’s founder and Delhi’s long-serving Chief Minister, has been embroiled in a legal battle related to a liquor scam. His recent stint in jail and the ongoing investigation have left the party scrambling for leadership. Atishi’s appointment was seen as a temporary solution, but this initial blunder has put the party on the defensive.
Kejriwal’s own political strategies, including his recent visits to religious sites and comparisons to Lord Ram by party loyalists, have drawn criticism for being overly dramatic and opportunistic. The once reform-driven party now faces accusations of relying on theatrics and sycophancy rather than focusing on governance and addressing Delhi’s real issues.
What’s Next for Atishi?
Atishi’s first order may have been an embarrassing mistake, but it is not yet clear how this will affect her political standing in the long term. While she has been a dedicated public servant with significant accomplishments in the education sector, her transition to the Chief Minister’s role has been rocky. The rejection of her first directive and the resulting political backlash could serve as a learning experience.
Critics will be watching her next moves closely. Will she bounce back from this controversy, proving herself capable of handling the pressures of the Chief Minister’s office, or will this incident mark the beginning of a decline in her political career? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
Atishi Marlena’s tenure as Delhi’s temporary Chief Minister has started on an unfortunate note. The rejection of her first order by the LG, combined with the criticism from political figures like Prashant Bhushan and Swati Maliwal, has put her on the defensive. The incident has not only highlighted her own missteps but also brought attention to the internal struggles and external challenges facing the Aam Aadmi Party.
As Delhi grapples with critical issues like pollution, infrastructure decay, and governance problems, Atishi’s leadership will be under the microscope. For a politician with a reputation for competence and education, this early setback could either become a stepping stone for improvement or a lasting mark on her political record.