Atishi Becomes Delhi Assembly’s First Woman Leader of Opposition

Delhi, India (23 February, 2025): Atishi, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. This decision was made during a crucial meeting of AAP MLAs, attended by party chief Arvind Kejriwal. Atishi’s appointment marks a significant moment in Delhi’s political history as she becomes the first woman to hold this post.

Delhi Assembly Session to Begin on February 24

The first session of the newly elected Delhi Assembly is set to begin on February 24. The ruling BJP government has announced that it will present pending reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) during the three-day session. These reports are expected to highlight key issues related to the previous AAP government’s governance.

BJP’s Victory and AAP’s Setback

In the recent Delhi Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a sweeping victory, winning 48 out of 70 seats. AAP, which previously held power, managed to secure only 22 seats. The Congress party, once a dominant force in Delhi, failed to win any seat. Top AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, lost their respective constituencies.

Challenges Ahead for Atishi

As the Leader of Opposition, Atishi faces the challenge of leading AAP in a difficult political environment. With the BJP government planning to scrutinize AAP’s past governance, she will have to defend her party while also raising critical issues affecting Delhi’s residents. Experts believe her leadership skills and policy expertise will play a crucial role in shaping the opposition’s strategy.

Delhi Assembly Speaker and Pro-Tem Speaker Appointed

The newly formed Delhi Assembly will see BJP leader Vijender Gupta as the Speaker, while Arvinder Singh Lovely of Congress has been appointed as the Pro-Tem Speaker. The first session will begin with the swearing-in of newly elected MLAs, setting the stage for a politically charged atmosphere.

CAG Report Expected to Stir Controversy

The BJP government has announced that on February 25, the CAG report will be presented in the Assembly. This report is expected to highlight corruption allegations against the previous AAP administration, covering areas like the excise policy, the renovation of the former Chief Minister’s residence, and education reforms. BJP MLA Harish Khurana stated that the report would reveal “several hidden truths” about AAP’s governance.

Atishi’s Political Journey

Atishi has been an integral part of AAP since its early days and has played a key role in shaping Delhi’s education policy. A Rhodes Scholar, she has earned respect for her administrative skills and policy-making expertise. Her rise to the position of Leader of Opposition is seen as a testament to her political capabilities and the trust her party has in her leadership.

Women in Indian Politics

Atishi’s appointment as the first woman Leader of Opposition in Delhi marks a significant step forward for women’s representation in Indian politics. Historically, female leaders like Indira Gandhi, Jayalalithaa, and Mamata Banerjee have played crucial roles in shaping India’s political landscape. Atishi’s new role is expected to inspire more women to actively participate in governance and policy-making.

A Tough Road Ahead

As Atishi steps into her new role, she faces the challenge of holding the ruling BJP government accountable while also rebuilding AAP’s political standing in Delhi. The upcoming Assembly session will be crucial in setting the tone for Delhi’s political future. Whether Atishi can emerge as a strong opposition leader will be closely watched in the coming months.