Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has been named the new Chief Minister of Delhi after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ended the 10-year rule of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the recently concluded assembly elections. The decision was finalized at a BJP legislature party meeting on Tuesday.
Ms. Gupta and other BJP legislators met Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to formally stake claim to form the government. She succeeds AAP’s Atishi, marking a historic shift in Delhi’s political landscape. The BJP’s last Chief Minister in Delhi was also a woman—Sushma Swaraj, who held office for 52 days in 1998.
BJP’s Strategic Choice
The selection of Rekha Gupta for the top post signals the party’s strategic move to maintain continuity while ensuring representation from various communities. Sources indicate that her six-member council will include leaders from Jat, Baniya, Punjabi, and Dalit communities, reflecting BJP’s broad voter base.
Ms. Gupta expressed gratitude to the party and supporters, stating, “I thank BJP and am grateful for the blessings of all of you. I am committed to taking Delhi to new heights.”
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Delhi’s iconic Ramlila Maidan on Wednesday, with grand celebrations planned by the BJP.
A First-Time MLA Over Veteran Leaders
Ms. Gupta was chosen over Parvesh Verma, a senior BJP leader and the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Saheb Singh Verma. Political analysts suggest that selecting a fresh face could help BJP avoid internal factionalism, a challenge the party has faced in other states.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Ms. Gupta on her new role, stating, “I am confident that the BJP government under your leadership will work tirelessly to fulfill the expectations of Delhi’s people.”
A Political Journey from Student Activism to Chief Minister
Rekha Gupta’s political career began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), where she served as the president and general secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU). Over the years, she has held various key positions, including general secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi, a member of the party’s national executive committee, and a councillor from North Pitampura. She later served as the mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation.
Sources By Agencies
