Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over its decision to appoint Atishi as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. Maliwal claimed that Atishi’s family had fought to prevent the execution of convicted terrorist Afzal Guru, who was hanged in 2013 for his involvement in the 2001 Parliament attack.
Maliwal’s remarks followed Tuesday’s rapid political developments in Delhi, where AAP’s MLAs held a meeting and elected Atishi as their new legislative leader. This came after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his intention to step down from the position, following his release on bail in the Delhi liquor policy case. Kejriwal has vowed not to return as Chief Minister until re-elected by the public.
Expressing her displeasure, Maliwal posted on social media, stating, “Today is a very sad day for Delhi.” She flagged concerns over Atishi’s family’s involvement in a 2013 mercy petition to save Afzal Guru from execution, which had been signed by several activists, including Atishi’s parents, Vijay Kumar Singh and Tripta Wahi.
Maliwal wrote, “A woman whose family fought a long battle to save terrorist Afzal Guru from being hanged is being made the Chief Minister of Delhi. According to them, Afzal Guru was innocent and framed in a political conspiracy.”
Raising concerns about national security, Maliwal suggested that Atishi could be a “dummy CM” and added, “This issue is related to the security of the country. May God protect Delhi!”
The 2013 petition, shared by Maliwal, urged then-President Pranab Mukherjee to halt Afzal Guru’s execution and requested a parliamentary inquiry into the case. An old video of Atishi’s mother, Tripta Wahi, has resurfaced, where she is heard saying, “We are unhappy that Afzal has been made, in our understanding, a scapegoat.”
In response, AAP MLA Dilip Pandey criticized Maliwal’s remarks and demanded her resignation from the Rajya Sabha. “Swati Maliwal goes to the Rajya Sabha on AAP’s support, but reads the BJP’s script. If she has even a little shame and morality left, she should resign,” said Pandey.
Atishi Becomes Delhi’s Next Chief Minister
On Tuesday, Atishi was chosen over Kailash Gahlot to succeed Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi’s Chief Minister. Her name was proposed by Kejriwal at the legislative party meeting, where AAP MLAs unanimously accepted the decision.
Born to Delhi University professors Vijay Kumar Singh and Tripta Wahi, the 43-year-old has been a prominent member of AAP since 2013. She gained widespread attention for her participation in the Jal Satyagraha in Madhya Pradesh in 2015. Currently the only woman in the Delhi Cabinet, Atishi holds 14 portfolios, including education, finance, and public works.
The political landscape in Delhi now awaits further developments as Atishi prepares to take over the helm from Kejriwal amidst ongoing controversies.