A day after her swearing-in, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was greeted by a large crowd outside her residence in Shalimar Bagh on Friday. Supporters gathered with garlands and flower bouquets to congratulate her on becoming the ninth Chief Minister of Delhi.
“I am deeply touched by the love and support of the people. Together, we will work for a better Delhi,” said Gupta, addressing the crowd.
A Historic Appointment
Gupta was sworn in at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday. Administered the oath by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, she becomes:
✅ Second woman BJP Chief Minister in Delhi
✅ Fourth woman Chief Minister in Delhi’s history
✅ Only woman Chief Minister among BJP-led states currently
The ceremony was attended by top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Political Journey: From Student Leader to Delhi CM
🔹 Early Years:
- Began her political career with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
- Served as DUSU President (1996-97) at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University.
🔹 Political Rise:
- 2007: Elected councillor from North Pitampura, working on local infrastructure projects.
- Former General Secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha and member of the BJP national executive.
- Founded AAS, an NGO focused on women and marginalized communities.
🔹 Recent Milestones:
- Contested and lost the 2023 mayoral race to AAP’s Shelly Oberoi.
- First-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, chosen for her grassroots connection and low-profile leadership style.
BJP’s Emphasis on Women’s Empowerment
Gupta’s appointment underscores the BJP’s focus on women’s leadership, especially after securing a historic 48-seat majority in the Delhi Assembly elections.
“Her elevation reinforces our commitment to women’s empowerment,” said a BJP spokesperson.
Cabinet Composition
Gupta leads a diverse cabinet featuring:
- Pravesh Verma: PWD, Water Resources
- Ashish Sood: Home, Education, Urban Development
- Manjinder Singh Sirsa: Food & Supplies, Environment
- Kapil Mishra: Law, Tourism, Culture
- Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh: Health, Transport, IT
Looking Ahead
Gupta has prioritized health and transparency, promising:
✅ Ayushman Bharat scheme implementation with a ₹5 lakh top-up for Delhi residents
✅ Tabling of 14 pending CAG reports
✅ Yamuna cleaning initiative
Her grassroots work and focus on development are expected to shape Delhi’s governance in the coming years.