Wed Sep 18 10:08:45 UTC 2024: ## Atishi’s Appointment as Delhi CM Sparks Controversy: BJP, AAP MP Slam Her Parents’ Role in Afzal Guru Case

The appointment of Atishi as the new Chief Minister of Delhi has ignited a political storm, with the BJP and AAP MP Swati Maliwal criticizing her parents’ involvement in attempts to stop the execution of Afzal Guru, who was convicted in the 2001 Parliament attack.

Maliwal, a vocal critic of the AAP, called it a “sad day for Delhi” and labeled Atishi a “dummy CM,” alleging her parents, retired Delhi University professors Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, had actively campaigned against Guru’s hanging. They had signed petitions seeking clemency for Guru and participated in events commemorating his execution, even sharing a stage with SAR Geelani, who was accused of having links to the Parliament attack.

The BJP echoed similar accusations, branding Atishi a “puppet” CM and accusing the AAP of supporting a person whose family tried to prevent Guru’s execution. “The people of Delhi will never accept Naxal supporters,” declared BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari.

Atishi, while acknowledging her parents’ activism, has distanced herself from their actions, stating she does not endorse their political views. She had previously maintained that she was not in favor of their stance on the Afzal Guru case.

However, the AAP has fiercely defended Atishi, lambasting Maliwal for her criticism and demanding her resignation. The party accused Maliwal of acting as a “BJP scriptwriter” despite being an AAP MP.

The controversy has further deepened the political divide in Delhi, highlighting the sensitive nature of the Afzal Guru case and its ongoing impact on Indian politics. The debate surrounding Atishi’s appointment as CM is likely to persist, with the opposition continuing to raise questions about her family’s past activism and its implications for her leadership.

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