Delhi Chief Minister-designate and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rekha Gupta arrived at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital on Thursday for the swearing-in ceremony.
Before heading to the venue, Gupta took part in a public rally, where she flashed a ‘victory sign’ for her party. Images from the rally showed a crowd of supporters showering her with flowers and paintings in celebration.
Gupta also visited the Hanuman Mandir at Kashmiri Gate to offer prayers before proceeding to the Maidan.
As she arrived at Ramlila Maidan, Gupta was warmly welcomed by several party leaders, including her future ministerial colleague, Parvesh Sahib Singh. Speaking to the media, Parvesh said, “We have a huge responsibility towards Delhi. The people of Delhi have shown us immense love and blessings. After 27 years, BJP is forming the government in Delhi today. I thank PM Modi for his vision of development, which has earned the people’s trust.”
The swearing-in ceremony saw a number of political leaders in attendance, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with other Union ministers and Chief Ministers from neighboring states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and additional key Union Ministers and NDA Chief Ministers are expected to attend the event.
Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who has been an outspoken critic of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, was also present to greet the CM-designate.
Earlier in the day, Gupta addressed the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities at the 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, the official residence of the Chief Minister, which has been colloquially dubbed ‘Sheeshmahal’ by the BJP. Gupta confirmed that she would not be residing at the official residence, amidst an investigation ordered by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) following a report submitted by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) based on BJP leader Vijender Gupta’s complaint.
Speaking to ANI, Rekha Gupta called her elevation to CM a “miracle” and a “new chapter.” She expressed, “If I can be the CM, it means opportunities are open for all women. Anyone who has been corrupt will have to account for every rupee.”
Gupta will become the fourth woman to assume the role of Chief Minister of Delhi, following leaders from the BJP, Congress, and AAP. She will succeed Atishi of the AAP.
In addition to Gupta, six other MLAs, including Parvesh Sahib Singh (Deputy CM), Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh, will take the oath of office.
