In a historic moment for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rekha Gupta is sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi, as the BJP makes a comeback. With a remarkable political career and a reputation for strong leadership, Gupta’s appointment signals the BJP’s commitment towards nari shakti and progressive governance. The oath taking ceremony was attended by top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at Ramlila Maidan.
#WATCH | BJP's first-time MLA Rekha Gupta takes oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi. Lt Governor VK Saxena administers her oath of office.
With this, Delhi gets its fourth woman CM, after BJP's Sushma Swaraj, Congress' Sheila Dikshit, and AAP's Atishi. pic.twitter.com/bU69pyvD7Y
— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2025
The BJP’s last Chief Minister in Delhi was also a woman, Sushma Swaraj, who was in the top post for 52 days in 1998.
A Glimpse Into Rekha Gupta’s Political Journey
Born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Haryana, Rekha Gupta’s journey into politics began during her college days at Daulat Ram College at Delhi University where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Her academic journey continued with advanced degrees in management and arts, equipping her with the skills necessary for her future political career. Her deep association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from an early age paved the way for her leadership in student politics.
Student Leadership and Early Involvement in Politics
As a student at Delhi University, Rekha Gupta became actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Her dedication to student politics led to her election as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) for the 1996-1997 term. Additionally, she served as the Secretary of Dyal Singh College, where her involvement in student activism furthered her path into public life.
Rekha Gupta’s political journey with the BJP began in the early 2000s, when she joined the party’s youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), and took on the role of secretary for the Delhi unit. Her leadership abilities were soon recognised, and she was appointed the National Secretary of BJYM from 2004 to 2006. Her organisational expertise and unwavering dedication to the party’s objectives helped her rise to prominence within the BJP. In 2007, she was elected as a councillor for Uttari Pitampura (Ward 54), further cementing her standing within the party. She went on to serve as the President of the Women’s Welfare and Child Development Committee in MCD from 2007 to 2009.
The Road to Delhi CM
From Councillor to Delhi CM
Rekha Gupta’s political career saw a steady ascent from being a municipal councillor to taking on prominent positions within the party. Her re-election as a councillor in 2012 and her term as the Mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) gave her crucial administrative experience. She was also the chairperson of the Women Welfare and Child Development Committee, where she launched the “Sumedha Yojana” to support economically disadvantaged female students in their pursuit of higher education.
Key Leadership Roles
Gupta’s administrative capabilities were not limited to her role as a councillor; she went on to serve as the General Secretary of Delhi BJP and the National Vice President of BJP Mahila Morcha. Her vast experience within the BJP’s organisational framework made her a key player in the party’s strategy in Delhi.
Historic Win in Shalimar Bagh
Winning the Shalimar Bagh Seat: In the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Rekha Gupta clinched victory from the Shalimar Bagh constituency, defeating AAP’s Vandana Kumari by a significant margin of 29,595 votes. This win was a major factor in her selection as the Chief Minister, with her grassroots connect and organisational strength making her a standout choice for the top post.
A Vision for Delhi’s Progress: Rekha Gupta has consistently focused on community development, women’s empowerment, and educational reforms. Her leadership is expected to bring about positive changes in the capital, with an emphasis on inclusive growth and better governance.
Rekha Gupta: The face of Nari Shakti in BJP
Champion of Women’s Issues: Rekha Gupta’s appointment as the Delhi Chief Minister is a testament to BJP’s focus on elevating women in leadership roles. Her work in various capacities, especially in advancing the cause of women’s welfare, has made her an ideal candidate for the CM position. Her efforts to strengthen the party’s women’s wing and her work towards women’s empowerment through programs like Sumedha Yojana are key highlights of her political career.
