In a historic moment for Delhi, Rekha Gupta, a first-time BJP MLA from Shalimar Bagh, will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi today. This marks the BJP’s return to power in the national capital after 27 years. Gupta, 50, will become Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi.
The oath-taking ceremony will be held at Ramlila Maidan around noon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders in attendance. Former Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi have also been invited to the event.
A Landmark Victory
Rekha Gupta won the Shalimar Bagh seat in the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections by securing over 29,000 votes, defeating her Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rival, Bandana Kumari. Known for her tagline, “Kaam hi Pehchaan” (my work is my identity), Gupta has built her political career on grassroots work and community engagement.
Council of Ministers
Gupta will be sworn in alongside her Council of Ministers, which includes prominent BJP leaders:
- Parvesh Verma
- Ashish Sood
- Pankaj Singh
- Manjinder Singh Sirsa
- Kapil Mishra
- Ravinder Indraj
A Symbol of Women Empowerment
In an interview with Aaj Tak, Gupta expressed her gratitude to the BJP leadership, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their trust in her. She stated:
“PM Modi’s vision and positivity towards women have made this possible. Choosing a middle-class woman for such a significant role is a big decision, and I deeply thank the top leadership for their trust in me. They have given me this immense responsibility, and I am committed to fulfilling it with dedication.”
Gupta also emphasized her commitment to accountability, stating that the previous government would have to answer for its actions. She added, “I would also like to thank [Kejriwal] for his best wishes. I hope all of us work together towards the betterment of Delhi.”
A Political Journey
Rekha Gupta’s political journey began with her role as the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) president. She later served as a municipal councillor before being elected as an MLA. Her selection as the leader of the House in the Delhi Assembly was confirmed during the BJP legislative party meeting on Wednesday evening.
Following the meeting, Lt. Governor VK Saxena invited Gupta to form the government after she staked her claim. The official handle of the Lt. Governor tweeted:
“Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Smt Rekha Gupta called on Hon’ble LG, Shri V. K. Saxena at Raj Niwas and staked her claim to form the new Government of NCT of Delhi. Hon’ble LG accepted the claim and invited her to form the new government.”
Historic Significance
Rekha Gupta’s appointment is significant for several reasons:
- She is the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi.
- She is the fourth BJP Chief Minister of Delhi, after Madan Lal Khurana, Sahib Singh Verma, and Sushma Swaraj.
- She will be the only incumbent woman Chief Minister in any BJP-ruled state.
BJP’s Focus on Women Voters
The BJP’s victory in Delhi was partly attributed to its focus on women voters. The party’s manifesto included promises such as:
- Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women
- Rs 21,000 financial assistance for pregnant women
- Pensions for senior citizens
These initiatives were designed to empower women and counter AAP’s promise of Rs 2,100 monthly aid for women.
Looking Ahead
As Rekha Gupta prepares to take office, her priorities include fulfilling the BJP’s commitments to the people of Delhi and addressing key issues such as corruption, women’s safety, and infrastructure development. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Delhi’s governance, reflecting the BJP’s vision of inclusive growth and women empowerment.
The oath-taking ceremony at Ramlila Maidan will be a momentous occasion, symbolizing a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape.
#WATCH: Delhi CM-designate Rekha Gupta says, “It is a huge responsibility. I thank PM Modi and BJP high command for having faith in me… I will fulfil my responsibility with utmost honesty… My first priority is to complete all the commitments our party has made.”
(Source: ANI, February 20, 2025)
