Atishi Marlena new Chief Minister of Delhi, Check Delhi Cabinet Ministers

Delhi LG proposes swearing-in ceremony of Atishi on September 21, 2024. Check here all about who is Atishi Marlena and Delhi Assembly Elections 2024.

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Atishi Marlena new CM of Delhi

Atishi Marlena has been appointed as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, following the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal on September 17, 2024. Atishi, a key member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been closely associated with the party since its inception and is particularly known for her significant contributions to education reform during her time as an advisor to former Education Minister Manish Sisodia. She becomes the third woman to hold the post of Delhi’s Chief Minister, after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.

Who is Atishi Marlena?

Atishi was born on June 8, 1981.
She was raised in a family of scholars in Delhi, and her parents, Tripta Wahi and Vijay Singh, are both professors at Delhi University.
Atishi is married to Praveen Singh. He is an educationist and researcher. They both met in Delhi and have been doing social work for many years.
Because of her ideological background, Atishi was given the middle name “Marlena,” which is a combination of the names Marx and Lenin.
In 2018, trying to shift the attention from her family background to her profession, she assumed the name Atishi in her public persona.

Delhi Cabinet Ministers 2024 Overview

The Delhi Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister-designate Atishi consists of experienced ministers and a new face, Mukesh Ahlawat. Below is a brief overview of the ministers and their roles:

Minister	Portfolio	Key Contributions	Significance
Atishi (Chief Minister)	– Previously handled finance, education, revenue, power, women & child development.	– Led major education reforms in Delhi. – Played a critical role in managing the Delhi government during Arvind Kejriwal’s imprisonment.	– Will be the third woman CM of Delhi after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj. – To lead the government until the 2025 elections.
Gopal Rai	– Environment, Development, Labor	– Key figure in implementing green initiatives like Delhi’s anti-pollution campaigns. – Improved labor conditions and rights through new policies.	– Known for his activism and labor reforms. – Longtime close associate of AAP and a senior leader in the party.
Kailash Gahlot	– Transport, Law, Administrative Reforms	– Led transport infrastructure improvements, including introducing e-buses and upgrading public transport. – Managed key legal matters related to the Delhi government.	– Played a crucial role in Delhi’s urban mobility initiatives and public transport sector reforms.
Saurabh Bharadwaj	– Health, Water, Urban Development	– Strengthened the healthcare system, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. – Improved water supply and sanitation across Delhi. – Focused on urban development projects.	– Known for his technical expertise and involvement in the water and health sectors. – Key architect of water reforms in Delhi.
Imran Hussain	– Food and Civil Supplies	– Ensured efficient public distribution of essential commodities. – Tackled food security challenges and rising prices during inflationary periods.	– Focused on food security and making essential supplies affordable for low-income citizens.
Mukesh Ahlawat (New Face)	To be allocated a portfolio	– Represents the Sultanpur Majra constituency. – Won with a strong margin in the 2020 elections. – Expected to take over key social welfare or urban portfolios.	– Will fill the vacancy left by Raaj Kumar Anand, who resigned in May 2024. – The new face in the cabinet, bringing fresh energy and ideas.

Delhi Assembly Elections: Provisions

The Chief Minister of Delhi Mr. Arvind Kejriwal has asked for Assembly elections to be held in Delhi along with Maharashtra in November 2024. But the term of the Delhi Assembly will end in February 2025.

Election Authority

Article-324:
- Under this Article the Election Commission of India (ECI) oversees the scheduling of elections for State Assemblies.
- The ECI ensures elections are held before the end of the Assembly’s term, therefore it works backward from that date to finalise the schedule.

Legal Provisions

The Representation of the People Act, 1951 (Section 15(2)):
- It States that elections for State assembly cannot be notified less than 6 months before the end of the term of the Assembly, unless the Assembly is dissolved early.
Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution:
- It allows the Governor to dissolve the Assembly upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
- If the Assembly is dissolved, the ECI must conduct elections within 6 months.

Case of Dissolution of the Assembly in Delhi

Role of the Chief Minister and Governor:
- Not a Full State: Delhi operates under Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991.
- Section 6(2)(b) of the Act: It says the Lieutenant Governor (LG) may from time to time dissolve the Assembly,
- Even if the Chief Minister of Delhi recommends the dissolution of the Assembly, the final say is the Central Government (through the LG).