Rekha Gupta’s appointment as Delhi’s CM marks a historic milestone, making her the first woman to lead a BJP-ruled state
Rekha Gupta has been sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the fourth woman to hold this esteemed position in the national capital. Her ascension not only signifies the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) return to power in Delhi after 27 years but also highlights a transformative shift in the city’s political landscape. Gupta’s appointment is historic, as she is the first woman to lead a BJP-ruled state. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Delhi’s governance, focusing on inclusivity and development. Born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Haryana, Rekha Gupta pursued her education in Delhi. She graduated from Daulat Ram College under Delhi University and later earned an LLB in 2022. Her legal background has equipped her with a strong foundation to navigate the complexities of political and administrative responsibilities. Gupta’s political career commenced in 1992 with her involvement in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Delhi University. Her leadership qualities were soon recognised, leading to her election as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) for the 1996-97 term. She further expanded her political footprint by serving as a councillor from North Pitampura in 2007 and 2012, where she initiated various community development projects.
Her dedication to public service and effective governance paved the way for her election as the MLA from Shalimar Bagh in 2025, defeating AAP’s Bandana Kumari by a significant margin. Rekha Gupta hails from a respected family that values community service and education. Her father was an officer at the State Bank of India and her family relocated to Delhi when she was two years old. As the new Chief Minister, Gupta faces several pressing challenges. Delhi’s persistent air and river pollution require immediate and sustained interventions to safeguard public health. Besides, addressing the city’s infrastructure deficits, including transportation and public amenities, is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for residents. Building upon her campaign promises, Gupta aims to revamp government schools, ensuring quality education for all. Expanding access to free and efficient healthcare services remains a priority to meet the needs of Delhi’s diverse population. Implementing programs such as monthly stipends for economically disadvantaged women reflects her commitment to social equity. Rekha Gupta’s rise to the Chief Minister’s office embodies a blend of experience, dedication, and a vision for Delhi’s progressive future. Her leadership is poised to navigate the complexities of the capital’s governance, striving for sustainable development and inclusive growth. Now that there would be a double engine government in Delhi, Delhiites can expect some radical changes in the city. The earlier dispensation was at loggerheads with the central government and so many of the policies and programs could not be implemented due to the tussle between the Centre and the State Government,
