Rekha Gupta Elected as New Delhi Chief Minister
In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Rekha Gupta as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. This decision comes after the BJP’s historic victory in the recent Delhi Assembly elections, where they secured 48 out of 70 seats, defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
A Grand Swearing-In Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony for Rekha Gupta is scheduled to take place on February 20 at the iconic Ramlila Maidan. The event is expected to be grand, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance. Over 25,000 to 30,000 people, including prominent Hindu seers and members from local communities, are anticipated to be present.
BJP’s Return to Power
This marks the BJP’s return to power in Delhi after a gap of 27 years. The party’s victory is seen as a major political achievement, especially given the intense competition from the AAP. Rekha Gupta’s leadership is expected to bring new energy and direction to the national capital.
Challenges Ahead
As the new Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta will face several challenges, including addressing Delhi’s increasing subsidy bills, infrastructural issues, and ensuring clean drinking water and sanitation. The BJP has also pledged to tackle air and Yamuna pollution within the first 100 days in power.
A Mix of Experience and Youth
The new cabinet is likely to include a mix of experienced leaders and young talent, representing various caste and community groupings in the capital. This diverse leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the governance of Delhi.
Community and Party Support
The BJP has emphasized the importance of community involvement and party support in achieving its goals. The grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan is a testament to the party’s commitment to celebrating this historic moment with the people of Delhi.
Rekha Gupta’s appointment as the Chief Minister of Delhi marks a new chapter in the city’s political landscape. With the support of the BJP and the community, she is poised to lead Delhi towards a brighter future.
Delhi CM announcement: Delhi’s wait for its new chief minister after the assembly election will end on Wednesday, when the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislature Party is slated to choose the Leader of the House, even as preparations for the February 20 oath-taking ceremony are in full swing at the historic Ramlila Ground in the national capital.
Party leaders said the chief minister and the entire Cabinet will take oath at a grand ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union minister and other dignitaries. A huge crowd is expected at the event and around 40 celebrities have been invited, news agency PTI reported, adding the ceremony would be held around noon rather than 4.30pm, as was communicated by party leaders earlier.
Major challenges for Delhi’s new government
- Fulfilling promises: A key promise in the BJP’s election campaign was providing ₹2,500 financial aid to eligible women beneficiaries by March 8, International Women’s Day. PM Narendra Modi had assured during his election rallies, “This is Modi’s guarantee… On March 8, women will start receiving money in their accounts.” Implementing an efficient distribution system for this scheme within a short timeframe poses a major challenge for the new government. It must move swiftly on the upcoming budget, ensuring sufficient allocations not only for this initiative but also for the promised ₹21,000 assistance for pregnant women.
- Air pollution crisis: Delhi’s hazardous air quality remains a serious concern, especially during winter due to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. Implementing sustainable solutions, including expanding green cover, promoting electric vehicles, and improving waste management, will be crucial for the BJP government in Delhi.
- Water and power supply issues: Delhi continues to struggle with water shortages and an irregular supply in many areas, further exacerbated by Yamuna’s pollution. Clean drinking water and uninterrupted electricity supply were among the list of promises the BJP had made before the assembly election. The BJP The new government must ensure clean drinking water and uninterrupted electricity supply, particularly during peak summer months.
- Law and order concerns: Women’s safety and rising street crimes remain pressing issues. Strengthening policing measures and improving coordination with the Delhi Police will be a challenge.
- Maintaining welfare schemes: Arvind Kejriwal’s rise to power in the last two Delhi assembly elections was largely driven by welfare schemes, including free water, electricity, and improved education in government schools. Now, with the BJP having announced similar welfare measures in its Sankalp Patra (manifesto), the new government faces the challenge of delivering on these promises while ensuring Delhi’s fiscal stability. Balancing social welfare with financial prudence will be a key test for the administration.
The suspense over Delhi’s new chief minister ended on Wednesday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) elected first-time MLA Rekha Gupta to the post. The decision comes as the party returns to power in the national capital after 27 years, securing 48 seats in the 70-member House.
Gupta’s name was announced at the BJP’s legislature party meeting, attended by observers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Om Prakash Dhankhar. Gupta, a former president and general secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) has served as the general secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi and as a member of the party’s national executive committee.
She started her political journey with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, in 1992. In 1996-97, she became president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), where she actively raised student-related issues.
Elected as a councillor from North Pitampura in 2007, she worked on enhancing public amenities such as libraries, parks, and swimming pools. She was re-elected in 2012 and later served as the mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), further building her administrative experience.
Rekha Gupta also launched the “Sumedha Yojana” to help economically weaker female students pursue higher education. As head of the Women Welfare and Child Development Committee, she worked on initiatives for women’s empowerment.
In these roles, she has been involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting marginalised communities and women.
Her engagement in social service has been influenced by her family’s emphasis on public welfare. Over the years, she has taken on multiple responsibilities in both political and community activities.
In the 2025 Delhi assembly election, Rekha Gupta won from the Shalimar Bagh (North-West) constituency with 68,200 votes.
