Swati Maliwal Criticizes Atishi’s Appointment as Delhi Chief Minister, Calls Her a ‘Dummy CM’
New Delhi: Following the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decision to appoint Atishi as the next Chief Minister of Delhi, Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal has voiced strong disapproval, labeling the development as a “sad day for Delhi” and referring to Atishi as a “dummy CM.”
In a post on X, Maliwal criticized Atishi by highlighting her family’s involvement in a mercy petition for Afzal Guru, a convicted terrorist. Maliwal wrote in Hindi (translated), “Today is a very sad day for Delhi. A woman whose family fought to save terrorist Afzal Guru from execution is being made the Chief Minister of Delhi. Her parents petitioned the President, arguing that Afzal Guru was innocent and framed in a political conspiracy. Although Atishi Marlena is merely a ‘dummy CM,’ this issue concerns national security. May God protect Delhi!”
The comments followed AAP’s official announcement that Atishi will succeed Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister. Minister Gopal Rai confirmed Atishi’s appointment after a unanimous decision by the AAP legislature party, noting that she will serve as Delhi’s Chief Minister until the next Assembly elections.
Rai also stated that Arvind Kejriwal would resign from his position at the Delhi L-G office later in the day. Following Kejriwal’s resignation, AAP will claim formation of the next government under Atishi’s leadership.
Atishi, who currently manages significant portfolios including Education and the Public Works Department, is recognized for her work in reforming Delhi’s education system through AAP’s initiatives. An Oxford University alumna and Rhodes scholar, she was appointed a minister after Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s arrest in a liquor scam case.
Gopal Rai further criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the central government, accusing them of conspiring against AAP.
