Atishi Marlena is a prominent Indian politician affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Her journey from academic excellence to a leading role in Delhi’s political landscape is marked by significant achievements and notable controversies.
Wiki/Biography
Born on June 8, 1981, in New Delhi, Atishi (age 43 as of 2024) is a Gemini. Her educational background is impressive, starting with Springdales School, New Delhi. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts (History) from St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, topping her class. A Rhodes Scholarship followed, leading her to a Master’s in History from Oxford University, England, in 2003. She joined Magdalen College, Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar in 2005.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 6″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
Atishi, born Atishi Singh, hails from a Punjabi Rajput family. Her parents, Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, were Delhi University professors. She adopted “Marlena” as her middle name, later using it as her surname to avoid being judged by caste. She is married to Pravin Singh.
Political Career
Atishi joined the AAP in 2013, playing a key role in its formation and policy-making. She served on the Political Affairs Committee and as an AAP spokesperson. In July 2015, she became Advisor to Delhi’s Deputy CM, Manish Sisodia, focusing on education reform. Her work was widely praised for its innovative approach.
She ran for the Lok Sabha in 2019, representing AAP in East Delhi, but lost to Gautam Gambhir. However, her political journey continued. In 2020, she won the Delhi Assembly Elections from the Kalkaji seat. On March 9, 2023, she was sworn in as a Delhi government minister. She later took on additional responsibilities for the Finance and Revenue departments. Her rise culminated in her becoming the 8th Chief Minister of Delhi in September 2024, a position she held briefly before resigning following the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
Controversies
Atishi’s career has not been without controversy. In April 2018, she was removed from her advisor post by the Lieutenant Governor. In 2019, she accused Gautam Gambhir of distributing defamatory pamphlets. Further controversies included allegations of improper use of a government bungalow and a government vehicle for political purposes.
Address
K-67, Jangpura Extension, New Delhi
Assets & Properties
Here’s a summary of her assets:
| Asset Type | Value (INR) |
|---|---|
| Movable Assets | 65.04 Lacs |
| Cash | 50,000 |
| Bank Deposits | 46.60 Lacs |
| Properties | None |
Salary
As a Delhi government minister (as of 2023), she received a monthly salary of ?1.7 lakh plus allowances.
Net Worth
?1.20 Crores (as of 2019)
Facts
- During the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign, she was often accompanied by actress Swara Bhaskar.
- Her middle name, Marlena, is a combination of “Marx” and “Lenin”.
- She dropped “Marlena” as her surname in 2018 due to misinformation campaigns.
- In May 2019, a press conference where she read out defamatory pamphlets resulted in emotional distress.
- In February 2025, she faced criticism for celebrating her election victory with a dance.
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