Rekha Gupta, a grassroots leader deeply rooted in BJP ideology, is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi on Thursday, marking a historic moment for both her and her party. Her appointment comes after nearly 27 years, as the BJP forms a government in Delhi once again.
A well-established figure in Delhi’s political landscape, Gupta has worked her way up through the ranks, having served in various organizational roles within the BJP and as a councillor. Her deep understanding of the issues facing the national capital positions her to hit the ground running, especially with a new election manifesto brimming with promises for the city.
Gupta will become the fourth woman to serve as Delhi’s Chief Minister, joining a unique legacy that includes women leaders from the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). She will succeed Atishi, marking the continuation of female leadership in the city’s top political role.
Elected as an MLA from Shalimar Bagh, Gupta has previously held significant roles, including serving as the General Secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi and as a member of its national executive committee. She has been a champion for marginalized communities and women, leading numerous campaigns to improve their welfare.
Gupta’s political journey began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organization linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). After studying at Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College, she became the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1996-97, advocating for student issues. Later, as a councillor from North Pitampura in 2007, she focused on developing key community services, such as libraries and parks.
In addition to her political career, Gupta pursued an LLB and is the founder of the NGO AAS. Though she lost the 2023 mayoral election to AAP’s Shelly Oberoi, her rise to Chief Minister represents a significant step in her career. At 50, Gupta, a first-time MLA, was chosen over senior BJP leaders to assume the top post, reflecting the party’s desire to appoint a woman leader.
Gupta’s elevation as Chief Minister underscores the BJP’s emphasis on women’s empowerment. She will be the only woman among the current BJP Chief Ministers, further highlighting the party’s commitment to female leadership.
Upon her election as leader of the BJP legislature party, Gupta expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the party leadership, and the people of Delhi for entrusting her with this responsibility. She called her appointment not only a personal honor but a moment of pride for the women of India, who make up half of the country’s population.
“I want to thank PM Modi, the BJP high command, and the people of Delhi for giving me this opportunity. A new chapter is beginning after 27 years, and it is a moment of pride for women in the country. We have staked our claim to form the government, and fulfilling every commitment made by the BJP is now my ultimate goal,” Gupta said.
She pledged to work with dedication and integrity, stressing that the focus of her government will be on fulfilling the promises made to Delhi’s citizens. “The Delhi government will work in a time-bound manner under the leadership of PM Modi. All MLAs will strive to fulfill our commitments as Team Modi,” she added.
Gupta was earlier elected as the leader of the BJP legislative party in a meeting with the newly-elected MLAs. She is set to take her oath as Chief Minister at a ceremony at Ramlila Maidan in the capital.
Expressing her gratitude to the party, Gupta also shared her commitment to the welfare and development of Delhi’s residents. “I am deeply grateful to the party leadership for trusting me with this responsibility. This trust has given me new energy and inspiration. I vow to work with full honesty, integrity, and dedication to uplift every citizen of Delhi and take the city to new heights,” she stated.
The BJP secured a historic mandate by winning 48 seats, ousting the Aam Aadmi Party from power.
