During a press conference on Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi addressed the comments made by BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri regarding her father. She expressed concern over what she termed “dirty politics,” emphasizing the need for more respectful discourse in political discussions. Atishi highlighted her hope that leaders can engage in more constructive dialogue that uplifts the standards of political communication in the country.
“I want to tell Ramesh Bidhuri, my father was a teacher throughout his life. He has taught thousands of children from poor and lower-middle-class families. Now he is 80 years old and so ill that he cannot even walk without help. Will you stoop so low for the sake of an election? Abusing an old man for political gain? I never thought politics in this country could stoop so low,” Atishi said, holding back tears.
Controversial Remarks By Bidhuri
Ramesh Bidhuri, BJP’s candidate running against Atishi in the upcoming Delhi elections, accused her of “changing her father” as part of a political agenda. During a rally on Sunday, Bidhuri stated, “This Marlena (surname used earlier by Atishi) became Singh, changed her name. Kejriwal swore over his children not to go with the corrupt Congress, and Marlena changed her father. Earlier she was Marlena, now she has become Singh. This is their character.”
The Story Behind Atishi Dropping Her Surname
Atishi dropped her surname ‘Marlena’ in 2018 due to political concerns and potential misunderstandings. “Marlena” derived from Marx and Lenin, reflected her parents’ leftist ideologies. However, as her political career advanced, Atishi chose to use only her first name to focus attention on her work and avoid unnecessary controversies.
“Marlena is not my surname. My surname is Singh, which I never used. The second name was given by my parents. I have decided to use just Atishi for my election campaign,” she clarified during an interview in August 2018.
AAP’s Outrage
Bidhuri’s remarks triggered widespread outrage within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and senior leaders strongly condemned the comments, calling them a personal attack on the Delhi CM.
Arvind Kejriwal, national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), blasted the BJP, calling the comments “shameless” and urging Delhiites to vote in response. “BJP leaders have gone beyond the bounds of decency. They are currently mistreating Atishi ji, the chief minister of Delhi. The people of Delhi will not tolerate this insult. Women in Delhi will take their revenge,” Kejriwal declared.
Chief National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar also criticized Bidhuri, stating, “The language BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri has used for a woman Chief Minister shows their mentality. If they can say such things about a woman CM, imagine how they would treat common women if they won.”
The remarks have intensified the clash between AAP and BJP ahead of the Delhi elections. Atishi’s heartfelt reaction has resonated with her supporters, reinstating the importance of respect and individual dignity in politics.
As the situation unfolds, its impact on the political narrative in the election run-up remains uncertain.
