Rekha Gupta, the first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has officially taken over as the Chief Minister of Delhi after being elected by the BJP legislative party at its national headquarters. At 50, Ms. Gupta has become the fourth woman to lead the capital’s government, marking a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape.
The announcement follows the Bharatiya Janata Party’s sweeping victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, where it secured 48 out of 70 seats, marking its return to power after 26 years. The party is yet to disclose the full list of ministers in Ms. Gupta’s cabinet.
Ms. Gupta, a seasoned politician with three terms as a Municipal Councillor, was an unexpected yet strategic pick. Her selection came as a surprise, edging out several contenders, including Parvesh Sahib Singh, who defeated AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, seasoned MLA Vijender Gupta, and former Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay.
Oath-Taking Ceremony at Ramlila Maidan
Following the BJP’s legislative party meeting, Ms. Gupta, along with senior party leaders, met with Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena to stake her claim to form the government. Her swearing-in ceremony, held at the historic Ramlila Maidan, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, key BJP leaders, and Chief Ministers from various NDA-ruled states.
Addressing the media after her selection, Ms. Gupta expressed her gratitude to the party’s leadership and vowed to serve the people of Delhi with honesty and dedication. “I am committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi and will work tirelessly for their welfare and progress. Under the guidance of our party leadership, we will take Delhi to new heights,” she stated.
A committed member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Ms. Gupta began her political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and was elected as the president of the Delhi University Students’ Union in 1996. Her long-standing association with the BJP and experience in local governance played a crucial role in her rise to this top position.
In the recent Assembly election, Ms. Gupta secured a decisive win over AAP’s three-time MLA Bandana Kumari, defeating her by a significant margin of 29,595 votes. The BJP’s victory in Delhi marks a shift in the city’s political dynamics, ending a long rule by the Aam Aadmi Party.
Former Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal congratulated Ms. Gupta on her appointment via a post on X, stating, “I hope she fulfills all promises made to the people of Delhi. We will support every initiative that works for the betterment of Delhi.”
With her tenure beginning amid high expectations, Ms. Gupta now faces the challenge of delivering on key promises, including improved infrastructure, governance reforms, and economic growth for the national capital.
