At the middle of April 2022, tension was high in Jahangirpuri, Delhi, after an altercation between Hindu and Muslim men. The demolition of structures near a mosque during an anti-encroachment drive added fuel to the fire, with both the ruling AAP and BJP pointing fingers at Muslim communities for the violence. Atishi, a prominent face of the AAP, was thrust into the spotlight during a news conference blaming Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya for the riots.
On the heels of corruption allegations against Kejriwal, Atishi was named chief minister-designate of Delhi, becoming the third woman to hold the position. With a background in social work and politics, Atishi has been lauded for her education reforms and welfare-centric policies, which have bolstered the popularity of the AAP in Delhi. However, her political journey has not been without controversy, as she navigated the shifting landscape of Indian politics towards ‘soft Hindutva’ to fend off attacks from the BJP.
While some critics view Atishi’s approach as opportunistic, others praise her qualifications and dedication to public service. With the AAP facing a crisis due to a series of arrests of top leaders, Atishi’s elevation to chief minister marks a critical juncture for the party. As she sets out to win over Delhi residents in the lead-up to the next elections, the spotlight is on Atishi to prove her mettle and bring stability to the AAP during a tumultuous period.
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