New Delhi [India]: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met with supporters on Friday, expressing gratitude and reaffirming her commitment to governance. She highlighted that the Delhi government approved the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which the AAP had previously “blocked,” during its first cabinet meeting.
Addressing the media, the newly appointed Chief Minister stated, “In the cabinet meeting yesterday, we approved the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which was blocked by the AAP. The scheme will soon be in the public domain… Today, we have called the PWD and Jal Board officials for a meeting with the cabinet. We will take over the issue of potholes.”
A large number of supporters gathered outside her residence in Shalimar Bagh to congratulate her, bringing garlands and flower bouquets. Rekha Gupta warmly interacted with them, acknowledging their support.
Gupta was sworn in as the 9th Chief Minister of Delhi during a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday. She is the second woman Chief Minister from the BJP in Delhi and the fourth woman to hold the position in the national capital.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath of office to Rekha Gupta and her council of ministers. The six other ministers sworn in alongside her include Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh.
Representing the Shalimar Bagh constituency, Gupta has an extensive political background. She previously served as the general secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi and was a member of its national executive committee. In these roles, she initiated multiple campaigns aimed at uplifting marginalized communities and women.
Her political journey began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). A graduate of Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College, she served as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1996-97, actively advocating for student rights. As a councillor from North Pitampura in 2007, she focused on improving local infrastructure, including libraries and parks. She also holds a law degree and is the founder of AAS, an NGO.
Despite losing the 2023 mayoral election to AAP’s Shelly Oberoi, Gupta was chosen as Delhi’s new Chief Minister over several senior BJP leaders. Her appointment reflects the party’s emphasis on women’s empowerment, as she is currently the only woman serving as a BJP Chief Minister in the country.
Her selection came after days of speculation following the Delhi assembly poll results, which were declared on February 8. With the BJP highlighting women’s leadership, Gupta’s elevation is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the party’s appeal among women voters.