Atishi Marlena Singh was born on June 8 in the year 1981, is an Indian politician, educator, and social activist. She is a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and served as the 8th Chief Minister of Delhi from September 2024 to February 2025. Atishi is known for her work in improving education in Delhi and for being one of the few women to hold top political positions in the city.
Early Life and Education -
Atishi was born and raised in Delhi, India. Her parents are Vijay Kumar Singh and Tripta Wahi, who were both professors at Delhi University. Growing up in an academic environment, Atishi developed a strong interest in learning and public service.
She attended Springdales School in Delhi and later studied History at St. Stephen’s College of University of Delhi. During her college years, she was recognized for her academic achievements and contributions to college life. She received the Sumitomo-St. Stephen's Scholarship and the Rajpal Memorial Award. After completing her undergraduate studies, Atishi went to the University of Oxford in England on a Rhodes Scholarship. There, she earned two master's degrees: one in History and another in Educational Research from Magdalen College .
Entry into Politics -
Atishi joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a political party focused on anti-corruption and good governance and she became a key member of the party and served as an advisor to the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, from 2015 to 2018. In this role, she played a significant part in transforming Delhi's government schools, making them cleaner, better equipped, and more student-friendly.
Political Career -
Member of the Legislative Assembly -
In 2020, Atishi was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Kalkaji constituency in Delhi. As an MLA, she continued her work in education and took on additional responsibilities in the government.
Ministerial Roles -
Atishi held several important positions in the Delhi government. She served as the Minister of Education, Public Works Department (PWD), Culture, and Tourism. In these roles, she focused on improving infrastructure, promoting Delhi's rich cultural heritage, and boosting tourism in the city.
Chief Minister of Delhi -
In September 2024, after the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi was unanimously chosen as the Chief Minister of Delhi and she became the third woman and the second youngest person to hold this position in the city's history. During her tenure as Chief Minister, Atishi continued to prioritize education, infrastructure, and public welfare. She worked towards making Delhi a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive city for all its residents.
After serving as Chief Minister until February 2025, Atishi took on the role of Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. She became the first woman to hold this position in Delhi. As the Leader of the Opposition, she is responsible for holding the government accountable and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard in the legislative process .