Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed her gratitude while meeting supporters on Friday and highlighted key developments, including the approval of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in her first cabinet meeting. Gupta criticized the AAP for “blocking” the scheme and assured that it would soon be available to the public.
Speaking to the media, the newly sworn-in CM said, “In yesterday’s cabinet meeting, we approved the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which was blocked by the AAP. The scheme will soon be accessible to the public… Today, we have called a meeting with PWD and Jal Board officials to address ongoing issues, including the problem of potholes.”
On Friday, a large number of people gathered outside Rekha Gupta’s residence in Shalimar Bagh to congratulate her, presenting garlands and flower bouquets. Gupta, who was sworn in as the 9th Chief Minister of Delhi at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday, was warmly welcomed by her supporters.
Rekha Gupta is the second woman BJP Chief Minister in Delhi and the fourth woman to hold the position in the capital. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath of office to Gupta and her council of ministers. Six other ministers—Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh—also took their oaths.
Gupta, elected from the Shalimar Bagh constituency, has been an active leader in the BJP, serving as general secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi and as a member of its national executive committee. In these roles, she launched several initiatives aimed at supporting marginalized communities and women.
Gupta began her political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student body affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). She later became the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1996-97, advocating for student concerns. As a councillor for North Pitampura in 2007, she worked to improve local infrastructure, including libraries and parks. Gupta also pursued an LLB degree and is the founder of the AAS, an NGO.
Although Gupta lost the 2023 mayoral election to AAP’s Shelly Oberoi, the 50-year-old first-time MLA was chosen to lead the Delhi BJP, likely due to the party’s desire for a woman leader. Known for keeping a low profile compared to other Delhi BJP leaders, Gupta’s selection followed intense speculation.
The results of the Delhi assembly elections, announced on February 8, paved the way for Gupta’s elevation. With the BJP emphasizing women’s empowerment, her appointment will strengthen the party’s appeal among women voters. Gupta will be the only woman among the current BJP Chief Ministers.
