Former CM Atishi Makes Becomes Delhi’s First Woman Leader of Opposition
In a historic moment for Delhi politics, former Chief Minister Atishi was named the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly today. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made the decision during a key meeting of its MLAs, marking the first time a woman has taken up this role. Adding to the milestone, Atishi will square off against Delhi’s current Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in what promises to be a unique women-led battle in the upcoming assembly session.
The AAP chose Atishi unanimously at its legislative meeting, with MLA Sanjeev Jha proposing her name. “Thanks to Arvind Kejriwal and the Legislative Party for trusting me,” Atishi said. “A strong opposition raises the people’s voice. AAP will ensure BJP keeps its promises.” Her appointment comes just ahead of the Delhi Assembly’s first session, set to begin on Monday.
This isn’t just a first for the opposition—Delhi now has a woman Chief Minister in Rekha Gupta, sworn in last week, and a woman Leader of the Opposition in Atishi. Political observers say this rare face-off could bring fresh energy to the assembly, starting with the three-day session next week.
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The Delhi Assembly session kicks off Monday with MLAs taking their oaths, followed by the CAG reports’ tabling on Tuesday. BJP has nominated Vijender Gupta as Speaker, while Arvinder Singh Lovely will serve as pro-tem Speaker. The session will test Atishi’s leadership as she rallies her 22 MLAs against the BJP’s majority.
AAP’s Delhi unit chief Gopal Rai praised Atishi’s track record. “In tough times, she served Delhi as CM and minister,” he said. “She’ll lead us as a strong, responsible opposition.” Atishi, who briefly led Delhi as CM in 2024 after Kejriwal’s resignation, brings experience and a fierce commitment to the role.
Atishi’s rise to Leader of the Opposition follows AAP’s performance in the recent Delhi Assembly elections on February 5. The party won 22 seats, while the BJP swept to power with 48 seats in the 70-seat assembly. Atishi held onto her Kalkaji constituency, defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri, even as big names like AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal lost to BJP’s Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma in New Delhi. Now, she steps into a critical role to challenge the BJP-led government.
