Delhi's Leadership Shake-Up: Atishi to Succeed Kejriwal Amidst Controversy

Swati Maliwal alleges ties between Atishi's parents and SAR Geelani, linked to the 2001 Parliament attack. Atishi is set to become Delhi's Chief Minister after Arvind Kejriwal's resignation. Controversy surrounds Atishi's parents' involvement in writing mercy petitions for Afzal Guru.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Wednesday claimed that Delhi Chief Minister-designate Atishi's parents had close associations with SAR Geelani, who was accused in the 2001 Parliament attack case but later acquitted by the Supreme Court. "Atishi Marlena's parents had close ties with SAR Geelani. In 2016, he organized a program in memory of Afzal Guru at the Press Club of Delhi," Maliwal posted on X.

Maliwal further alleged, "Atishi Marlena's parents were on stage with Geelani during the event where slogans like 'If one Afzal dies, lakhs will be born' and 'Kashmir demands freedom' were raised. They also authored an article titled 'Arrest and torture of Syed Geelani'. God protect Delhi!"

On Tuesday, following Atishi's selection as the leader of the AAP Legislature Party, Maliwal claimed that Atishi's parents had written multiple mercy petitions seeking to overturn the death sentence of Afzal Guru. "This is an unfortunate day for Delhi," Maliwal said. "Atishi's family fought to save terrorist Afzal Guru from the death penalty. Now, she will be a 'dummy CM'. This matter directly affects the security of Delhi and the nation."

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal resigned as Chief Minister of Delhi after meeting Lt Governor VK Saxena on Tuesday. Senior AAP leader Atishi, chosen to succeed him, also met LG Saxena to stake her claim to the position.

Speaking to the media post-meeting, Atishi remarked, "This marks the first time in democratic history that a Chief Minister has rejected a Supreme Court decision, awaiting the people's court verdict before assuming office. Delhiites want Arvind Kejriwal back as CM and remain saddened by his resignation."

Kejriwal proposed Atishi's name at the legislature party meeting, which was unanimously accepted by AAP MLAs. Sources indicate that there will be no Deputy Chief Minister and Atishi, representing Kalkaji, will take the oath in a special Assembly session on September 26-27. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)