In a dramatic turn of events, first-time MLA Rekha Gupta has been named Delhi’s new Chief Minister, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) return to power in the capital after 27 years.
Gupta’s selection came as a surprise, as heavyweight contenders like former Lok Sabha MP Parvesh Verma were also in the race.
Gupta’s appointment, finalised after intense deliberations within the party, aligns with the BJP’s strategic push for women empowerment and community representation.
The 50-year-old leader, who has steadily risen through the BJP ranks, previously served as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and held leadership roles in the party’s youth and women’s wings. She also has experience as a municipal councillor and former mayor of North Delhi.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded her elevation, calling it a testament to the BJP’s commitment to grassroots leadership. “She has risen from student politics to state administration and now as Chief Minister,” he posted on X.
Gupta took the oath of office at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan, alongside six cabinet ministers, including Parvesh Verma, Kapil Mishra, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
The BJP’s landslide victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, where it won 48 out of 70 seats, was largely attributed to strong support from women voters. In a nostalgic moment, Congress leader Alka Lamba shared a 1995 photograph of her and Gupta taking their DUSU oaths, congratulating her on the new role.
1995 की यह यादगार तस्वीर – जब मैंने और रेखा गुप्ता ने एक साथ शपथ ग्रहण की थी-
— Alka Lamba
मैंने @nsui से दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय छात्र संघ (DUSU) #अध्यक्ष पद पर जीत हासिल की थी और रेखा ने #ABVP से #महासचिव पद पर जीत हासिल की थी- रेखा गुप्ता को बधाई और शुभकामनाएँ.
दिल्ली को चौथी महिला… pic.twitter.com/csM1Rmwu9y(@LambaAlka) February 19, 2025
As she assumes office, Gupta faces the challenge of delivering on the BJP’s ambitious promises, including women’s welfare schemes and infrastructure improvements. With her grassroots experience and the party’s backing, all eyes are now on Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister to see how she shapes the capital’s future.
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