As the counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 progresses, early trends indicate a tough fight for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mounting a strong challenge. One of the most high-profile contests is unfolding in the Kalkaji constituency, where Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is trailing against BJPs Ramesh Bidhuri. Congress candidate Alka Lamba also lags behind in the race.

Atishi, who was appointed as Delhis Chief Minister, is seeking re-election from Kalkaji, a constituency that has 1,94,515 registered voters. In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, she secured victory against BJPs Dharambir Singh by a margin of 11,393 votes. However, this time, the competition appears far stiffer as the BJP gains traction in key constituencies.

A Strong Governance Record

Before becoming Chief Minister, Atishi held significant responsibilities within the Delhi government, serving as a Cabinet Minister overseeing 14 key portfolios, including Education, Public Works Department (PWD), Tourism, Culture, and Power. She played a pivotal role in transforming the education sector in Delhi, particularly during her tenure as an advisor to then-Education Minister Manish Sisodia until April 2018.

Her reforms in government schools earned widespread recognition, significantly improving the quality of education and infrastructure. She has been credited with reshaping Delhis public education system and was seen as a key strategist in AAPs policy-driven governance model.

A Political Journey Marked by Challenges and Controversies

Atishis political journey has seen both victories and setbacks. She contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from East Delhi against BJPs Gautam Gambhir but finished third. In 2020, she successfully contested the Delhi Assembly elections, becoming a first-time MLA from Kalkaji. Her ministerial role expanded in 2023 following the resignation of Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain amid legal troubles.

In 2018, Atishi was embroiled in controversy over her surname. She dropped her foreign-sounding surname, Marlena, which was derived from Marx and Lenin, during her Lok Sabha campaign after it became a contentious issue. The controversy intensified when Manish Sisodia revealed her caste and religion on social media, prompting the Election Commission to take action against him for violating the model code of conduct.

Academic Excellence and International Recognition

Atishis academic credentials are formidable. She completed her schooling at Springdales School in New Delhi before pursuing history at St. Stephens College, Delhi University, where she topped her class. She later won a Chevening Scholarship to study at Oxford University, where she completed her Masters. She also earned a second Masters degree from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in Educational Research, further strengthening her expertise in education policy.