Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th September. On Monday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi officially took charge as Delhi’s new Chief Minister, marking a significant transition in the capital’s leadership. She becomes the eighth person and third woman to hold the position. In her inaugural speech, Atishi drew a symbolic parallel from the Ramayana, comparing her role to that of Lord Bharat, who governed in Lord Ram’s absence. She stressed that her leadership is temporary, with the real seat of power belonging to Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently facing legal battles in an excise policy scam case.
In a dramatic gesture, Atishi left Kejriwal’s chair empty beside her, signaling that she is merely a caretaker until his return. With control over major portfolios like education, finance, and power, her appointment comes at a critical time for AAP, as it navigates through scandals involving senior party leaders. The move is part of a broader effort to repair the party’s image and rally public support ahead of the upcoming elections, where the party will test its hold over the capital once again.
The Symbolism of Atishi’s Leadership: A New Ramayana Parallel
In her first public address as Chief Minister, Atishi drew a striking parallel between her temporary rule and Lord Bharat’s stewardship while Lord Ram was in exile. This reference is steeped in symbolism. In the Ramayana, Bharat ruled Ayodhya not in his own name but as a caretaker for Ram, keeping his brother’s sandals (Khadaun) on the throne. Atishi, by drawing this analogy, emphasized her temporary role and deep loyalty to Arvind Kejriwal, who, much like Ram, is away from his post due to external circumstances—facing legal challenges in an excise policy scam.
Atishi’s reference to Lord Bharat serves two purposes. First, it portrays Kejriwal as a leader wrongfully maligned and unjustly punished, much like Lord Ram, who was sent into exile despite his virtue. Second, it paints Atishi’s tenure as one of selfless duty, reinforcing that Kejriwal remains the rightful leader, and she is merely his custodian until his return.
She further strengthened this narrative by physically placing an empty chair beside her own during her first day in office, signaling that the position of Chief Minister remains reserved for Kejriwal until the people of Delhi “restore him” to power in the upcoming elections. This theatrical gesture is aimed at retaining public sympathy and rallying AAP’s base, who may see Kejriwal as a victim of political vendetta.
The Context: AAP’s Leadership and Controversies
Atishi’s rise to power comes at a critical time for the AAP, which has been marred by scandals and the legal troubles of several high-profile leaders. Arvind Kejriwal himself is out on bail in the excise policy scam case, and other prominent AAP leaders like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh have also been embroiled in legal battles. The party’s image has taken a significant hit due to these controversies, which have cast a shadow over its once celebrated “anti-corruption” credentials.
The decision to appoint Atishi as the new Chief Minister, while Kejriwal focuses on clearing his name, is part of AAP’s strategy to revitalize its standing with voters. Atishi, known for her work in reforming Delhi’s education system, brings a relatively untainted record, which AAP hopes will resonate with the electorate. Yet, the challenge remains whether these symbolic gestures will be enough to counter the negative publicity surrounding Kejriwal’s legal issues and the broader controversies plaguing the party.
The most glaring example of the party’s troubles has been the controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s Flagstaff Road residence. Dubbed the “Sheesh Mahal” by critics, the house underwent a renovation that reportedly cost ₹45 crores, an astronomical figure that sparked widespread criticism. This has provided ammunition to AAP’s opponents, who have painted the party as hypocritical, contrasting its “common man” image with lavish expenditures.
Grand Gestures and Public Perception: Will They Work?
Atishi’s symbolic gestures and public statements are part of a larger attempt by AAP to reshape its image ahead of the Delhi elections. The party has always relied on dramatic political theater to capture public attention—whether it was Kejriwal’s resignation in 2014, his fasting protests, or AAP’s emphasis on being a party of ordinary people fighting against entrenched political elites. Atishi’s comparison to Lord Bharat and her deferential attitude toward Kejriwal follow this tradition of spectacle.
However, AAP’s political theatrics have, in the past, proved effective in swaying public opinion. By framing Kejriwal as a victim of political persecution and Atishi as a selfless caretaker, the party is clearly hoping to leverage voter sympathy. But in the current political climate, where allegations of corruption and mismanagement have dominated the headlines, it remains uncertain whether these grand acts will be enough to restore AAP’s image.
Many observers feel that the party has over-relied on its dramatic flair and now needs to address more substantive issues such as governance, accountability, and transparency. While Atishi’s track record in education is commendable, her ability to tackle the myriad challenges facing Delhi—such as air pollution, infrastructure development, and public health—will be closely scrutinized. The upcoming elections will serve as a test of whether the public still has faith in AAP’s ability to govern effectively, or if the mounting controversies have eroded its support base.
The Future of AAP and Kejriwal’s Return
Atishi’s temporary leadership is, by all accounts, a stopgap measure until Kejriwal clears his name and returns to the political fray. She has already stated her belief that Kejriwal will resume his position as Chief Minister after the elections in February, further reinforcing the narrative that she is merely holding the fort in his absence.
The party’s future, however, hinges on more than just the legal outcomes of Kejriwal’s case. It will depend on whether AAP can overcome the negative perception created by years of scandals and prove its commitment to clean governance. Atishi’s performance as Chief Minister will also be pivotal in shaping AAP’s prospects. If she can successfully navigate the current challenges and present a compelling vision for Delhi’s future, it could help stabilize the party and set the stage for Kejriwal’s return.
But the road ahead is fraught with difficulties. The BJP and Congress have been relentless in their criticism of AAP, and the constant legal challenges against its leaders are unlikely to abate any time soon. Moreover, with public trust shaken by controversies like the Flagstaff Road residence debacle, Atishi and her party must work diligently to rebuild credibility.
Conclusion: Can AAP Regain Its Footing?
Atishi’s appointment as Delhi’s Chief Minister is both a strategic move and a symbolic gesture designed to reinvigorate AAP’s image. By invoking the Ramayana and likening herself to Lord Bharat, she has attempted to create a narrative of loyalty, duty, and selflessness in the face of adversity. This narrative, coupled with her administrative experience, positions her as a capable caretaker while Kejriwal focuses on clearing his name.
However, grand acts alone may not be enough to repair the party’s tarnished image. The controversies surrounding AAP, from the excise policy scam to the lavish renovations of Kejriwal’s residence, have raised serious questions about the party’s commitment to its founding principles of honesty and transparency. Atishi will need to deliver tangible results in governance if AAP is to regain the trust of the people.
While Atishi’s symbolic gestures may temporarily energize AAP’s base, the party’s long-term success depends on more substantive actions. The Delhi electorate has shown in the past that it values governance over theatrics. If Atishi and her team can focus on addressing the real issues facing Delhi, AAP may yet have a chance to restore its credibility. But the window for action is closing, and the upcoming elections will be the ultimate test of whether the public still believes in AAP’s vision for the capital.
The post Atishi’s Reign Begins: A Symbolic Shift in Delhi’s Leadership Amid AAP’s Battle for Redemption appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
