New Delhi: Rekha Gupta, a former Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president and first-time MLA, is set to become Delhi’s fourth woman chief minister. A dedicated advocate for women’s welfare, Gupta has played a pivotal role in politics, rising through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her leadership comes as the BJP returns to power in Delhi after 26 years, replacing the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
A Political Journey Rooted in Student Activism
Born in Julana, Haryana, Rekha Gupta pursued a BCom degree from Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College before obtaining a law degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. Her political journey began in 1992 with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS. She held key positions in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), serving as Secretary in 1995-96 and President in 1996-97.
Gupta officially joined the BJP in 2002 and has since held various leadership roles, including National Secretary of the BJP Youth Wing and National Vice President of the BJP Mahila Morcha. She also served as the party’s women wing in charge for Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, strengthening the BJP’s outreach among women voters.
Championing Women’s Welfare and Community Development
Rekha Gupta’s political career has been defined by her commitment to women’s welfare and social development. As a three-time municipal councillor (2007-2012, 2012-2017, and 2022-2025), she spearheaded initiatives such as the Sumedha Yojana, a program designed to provide financial assistance to economically weaker female students pursuing higher education.
During her tenure as head of the Women Welfare and Child Development Committee in the civic body, she led multiple empowerment campaigns aimed at improving healthcare, education, and safety for women and children. Her leadership has been instrumental in launching vocational training programs, self-help groups, and awareness campaigns on issues like domestic violence and financial independence for women.
Breaking Political Barriers
With her elevation to the post of Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta joins an elite group of female leaders in the city’s history. She will be the fourth woman to hold the position after Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi, and the fourth BJP leader to assume the role after Madan Lal Khurana, Sahib Singh Verma, and Sushma Swaraj.
Notably, Gupta will be the only woman chief minister in any BJP-ruled state at present, marking a significant moment in the party’s commitment to promoting women in leadership positions.
A Historic Victory in Delhi Elections
Gupta secured a decisive victory in the February 5 Assembly polls, winning the Shalimar Bagh seat by over 29,000 votes against AAP’s Bandana Kumari. This win was particularly significant as she had previously lost to Kumari in both the 2015 and 2020 elections. Her landslide victory reflects strong voter confidence in her leadership and the BJP’s governance model.
Swearing-In Ceremony and Future Roadmap
Rekha Gupta and her council of ministers will take the oath of office at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday afternoon, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gupta expressed gratitude to the party leadership and pledged to work towards the empowerment, welfare, and holistic development of Delhi’s residents. Her administration is expected to focus on improving women’s safety, expanding education programs, boosting employment opportunities, and enhancing civic infrastructure.
With a political career spanning over three decades, Rekha Gupta’s rise to the Delhi CM’s office stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and strategic leadership. As she takes charge, all eyes will be on how she navigates Delhi’s governance challenges and fulfills her vision for an inclusive and progressive capital city.
