Delhi’s Chief Minister designate, Rekha Gupta, departed from her residence on Thursday for the swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital.
Before reaching the venue, Gupta led a public rally, flashing the victory sign and greeting her supporters. Footage from the rally showed hundreds of well-wishers presenting her with flowers and paintings.
Gupta made a brief stop at the Hanuman Mandir at Kashmiri Gate to offer her prayers before heading to the swearing-in ceremony.
Earlier in the day, Rekha Gupta addressed the ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities at 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, the official residence of the Delhi Chief Minister, also known as ‘Sheeshmahal.’ Gupta confirmed that she would not be residing in the controversial property. The investigation, ordered by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on February 13, followed a factual report from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) concerning complaints made by BJP leader Vijender Gupta.
Speaking to ANI, Gupta described the moment as “a miracle” and “a new chapter,” adding, “If I can become the CM, it shows that all doors are open for women… Anyone involved in corruption will be held accountable for every rupee.”
Rekha Gupta will be the fourth woman to serve as Chief Minister of Delhi, succeeding AAP’s Atishi. Delhi has previously had women Chief Ministers from the BJP, Congress, and AAP.
Alongside 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.
Sources suggest that BJP leader Vijender Gupta, former Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, is likely to be appointed as the Delhi Assembly Speaker, while Mohan Singh Bisht may be named the Deputy Speaker.
In the recent Delhi Assembly elections, held on February 8, the BJP secured 48 out of 70 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party won only 22 seats. Congress failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive election.
