Delhi, February 19:
Delhi is set to have a woman Chief Minister once again as the BJP has chosen Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, to lead the state. The decision was finalized during a party meeting today. Gupta replaces Aam Aadmi Party’s Atishi after the BJP secured victory in the recently concluded assembly elections, ending Arvind Kejriwal’s decade-long rule.
The official announcement was made through the Delhi BJP’s X handle, extending congratulations and expressing confidence in Gupta’s leadership. The post, translated from Hindi, read: “Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Rekha Gupta ji on being elected the leader of the Delhi BJP Legislative Party. We are confident that Delhi will progress under your leadership.”
According to party sources, Gupta will have a six-member cabinet, ensuring representation for key communities that supported the BJP, including Jats, Baniyas, Punjabis, and Dalits.
Expressing gratitude, Gupta stated, “I thank the BJP for this opportunity and appreciate the support of the people. I am committed to taking Delhi to new heights.” She later proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to formally stake her claim to form the government.
A grand oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow at Delhi’s iconic Ramlila Maidan, where Gupta will be sworn in as Chief Minister.
The last BJP Chief Minister in Delhi was Sushma Swaraj, who held the position for 52 days in 1998 before Congress’s Sheila Dikshit took over, leading the state for three consecutive terms.
Gupta’s selection over Parvesh Verma, a key contender for the role, carries significant political weight. Verma, who recently defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, is the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Saheb Singh Verma. Choosing him could have subjected the BJP to criticism over dynasty politics. Additionally, the party hopes that appointing a fresh face will help curb internal factionalism, a challenge faced by the BJP in various states.
Outgoing Chief Minister Atishi was among the first to congratulate Gupta, offering assistance if needed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his best wishes, stating on X, “I have full faith that you will work tirelessly to fulfill the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and make Delhi one of the world’s top capitals. The women of Delhi have placed their trust in you, and I am confident you will meet their expectations.”
Rekha Gupta’s political career began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, where she served as the president and general secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU). She later became the general secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi, a member of the BJP’s national executive committee, and a councillor from North Pitampura in 2007. She also held the position of mayor in the South Delhi Municipal Corporation.
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