Delhi has a new leader at the helm. Rekha Gupta, a seasoned politician and three-time MCD councillor, has been sworn in as the city’s fourth woman Chief Minister. A former president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Gupta brings extensive administrative experience to the role.
A Historic Moment for Delhi
As news of her appointment broke on Wednesday evening, celebrations erupted outside her residence in Shalimar Bagh. BJP supporters, along with her family members, gathered to mark the occasion with dhol beats and chants of “Sabko dekha, aa gayi Rekha” (We have seen everyone, now Rekha has arrived) and “Jai Shri Ram”.
Her husband, businessman Manish Gupta, expressed his excitement, stating, “I am extremely proud and looking forward to supporting my wife in her new role.” Her mother-in-law, Meera Gupta, echoed the sentiment, distributing sweets and saying, “She is a wonderful daughter-in-law and will prove to be an excellent Chief Minister.”
From Student Leader to Delhi’s Chief Minister
Gupta’s political journey began in the 1990s when she joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). While studying at Daulat Ram College, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the general secretary of DUSU from 1995 to 1996, and later serving as its president from 1996 to 1997.
Her academic credentials include a degree in commerce and a Master’s degree in management and arts from the University of Delhi. In 2002, she officially joined the BJP and played a pivotal role in the party’s youth and women’s wings, holding positions such as:
- Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha’s Delhi unit
- National secretary of BJYM
- General secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha (Delhi)
- National vice-chairperson of BJP Mahila Morcha
- National in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Mahila Morcha
Gupta’s extensive political experience made her a strong contender for leadership roles within the BJP.
Political Career: Wins and Setbacks
Gupta made her electoral debut in 2007 when she won the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections from the North Pitampura ward. Over the years, she served in various key positions, including:
- Chairperson of the Women’s Welfare and Child Development Committee (MCD)
- Vice-chairperson of the Standing Committee (MCD)
- Chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) Education Department (2012-2013)
Despite her early successes in municipal politics, Gupta faced setbacks in Assembly elections. In 2015 and 2020, she contested from Shalimar Bagh but lost to AAP’s Bandana Kumari. However, she did not lose momentum. In 2022, she won the MCD elections again and was fielded as the BJP’s candidate for the mayoral elections, though she lost to AAP’s Shelly Oberoi.
Her persistence paid off in 2024 when she secured a resounding victory in the Assembly elections, defeating Bandana Kumari by a margin of 29,595 votes.
Personal Life and Political Vision
Born in Nandgarh village in Haryana’s Jind district, Gupta moved to Delhi at the age of two. Her father worked at the State Bank of India, and she grew up in the capital city, shaping her political ambitions from an early age.
Gupta’s family has always been supportive of her political journey. Her daughter is currently pursuing post-graduation in Australia, while her son is completing his engineering degree in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
Colleagues and fellow politicians have lauded her leadership skills. MCD Leader of Opposition Raja Iqbal Singh stated, “She has vast experience and understands people’s grievances.” Saraswati Vihar councillor Shikha Bharadwaj added, “She is a strong administrator, bold and approachable. She knows Delhi’s challenges and how to tackle them.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead
As she takes charge, Gupta faces significant challenges, including addressing the city’s pollution crisis, improving public transport, enhancing women’s safety, and ensuring better governance. Her past experience in municipal administration is expected to play a crucial role in implementing effective policies.
With her appointment, Delhi gets its fourth woman Chief Minister—one with deep grassroots connections and years of experience in public service. Whether she can translate her political acumen into tangible improvements for Delhiites remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on Rekha Gupta as she takes on the capital’s top job.