In the wake of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decision to appoint Atishi as Delhi’s new Chief Minister, Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal has voiced sharp criticism.
Maliwal, a prominent voice in Delhi politics, condemned the move as a setback for the city, referring to Atishi as a ‘Dummy CM’.
Swati Maliwal Criticizes Atishi’s Appointment; Cites Afzal Guru Mercy Petitions
Maliwal expressed her concerns on X, calling it an unfortunate day for Delhi with Atishi set to become Chief Minister. She highlighted that Atishi’s family had fought to save terrorist Afzal Guru from the death penalty, with her parents repeatedly submitting mercy petitions to the President, arguing that Guru was innocent and a victim of political conspiracy.
Maliwal questioned how wrong this was, stating that although Atishi will be Chief Minister, she will be a ‘Dummy CM’. She further emphasized that this issue directly affects the security of both Delhi and the country, concluding with, “God save the people of Delhi from such a CM.”
#WATCH | Delhi: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal says, “This is an extremely unfortunate day for Delhi. A woman like Atishi is going to become the CM of Delhi, whose own family fought a long battle to save terrorist Afzal Guru from death penalty. Her parents wrote mercy petitions… pic.twitter.com/Tr1Qgvq54C
— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2024
Maliwal’s comments followed the announcement that Atishi would succeed Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister, a decision confirmed at an AAP legislature party meeting on Tuesday.
Gopal Rai, AAP’s senior leader, detailed that Atishi received unanimous support from party members and will serve as Delhi’s Chief Minister until the next Assembly elections.
Rai also mentioned that Kejriwal is likely to resign from his post at 4:30 PM today, enabling the party to move forward with the new government formation under Atishi.
Rai did not miss the opportunity to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the central government, accusing them of plotting to undermine AAP’s stability.
He suggested that the BJP’s tactics were aimed at destabilizing the party’s governance.
Atishi, a prominent figure in Delhi’s administration, has previously managed key portfolios including Education and the Public Works Department.
An Oxford University alumnus and Rhodes scholar, she has been instrumental in the AAP’s education reform initiatives in Delhi’s schools.
She assumed a ministerial role following the arrest of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with an alleged liquor scam.
Also Read: Gopal Rai Criticizes BJP As Atishi Set To Succeed Kejriwal As Delhi CM
