A Seasoned Politician with a Fresh Face Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi on Wednesday. Despite her recent entry into the legislative assembly, Gupta has a long history in politics. By selecting her over prominent contenders like Parvesh Verma, the BJP appears to be making a calculated decision to gain a strategic advantage on multiple fronts.
A Strong Political Journey
Gupta, 50, secured victory in the Shalimar Bagh constituency during the recent Delhi Assembly elections, winning by a significant margin of nearly 30,000 votes. Known for her tagline “Kaam hi Pehchaan” (My work is my identity), she has been a key figure in Delhi politics.
Her political career began with student elections at Delhi University, where she served as the President of DUSU in 1996-97. She has been elected as a councillor three times and previously held the position of mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC). In 2022, she was the BJP’s candidate for the MCD mayoral race against AAP’s Shelly Oberoi. She currently serves as the National Vice President of the BJP Mahila Morcha and has also been a general secretary for the Delhi BJP.
Why BJP Chose Rekha Gupta as Delhi’s CM
The BJP’s decision to appoint Rekha Gupta aligns with its emphasis on female leadership and electoral strategies. Historically, Delhi has had several women as Chief Ministers, including Sheila Dikshit, Sushma Swaraj, and Atishi. The BJP appears to be reinforcing this trend, positioning Gupta’s tenure as a contrast to AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s decade-long governance.
Gupta follows Atishi, who briefly served as CM for five months after Kejriwal stepped down in September 2024. The BJP’s move also highlights its commitment to gender-inclusive politics, as demonstrated by its decision to field nine women candidates in the recent elections—four of whom secured victories.
A Strong Appeal to Women Voters
Women in Delhi played a crucial role in the 2025 Assembly elections, with a voter turnout of 60.92%, surpassing the 60.21% turnout among men. Recognizing this, the BJP crafted a women-centric election manifesto, including schemes such as the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, which promises Rs 2,500 per month for women. Additional pledges include Rs 21,000 and six nutritional kits for pregnant women, along with free screenings for cervical, breast, and ovarian cancer under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
A Non-Controversial and Promising Leader
Unlike other senior Delhi BJP leaders such as Ramesh Bidhuri and Parvesh Verma, Rekha Gupta has remained largely free from controversies. Her appointment provides the BJP with a fresh face to lead Delhi, ensuring stability and a renewed approach to governance.
With over three decades of association with the BJP, Rekha Gupta has steadily climbed the ranks and is set to play a significant role in shaping the future of Delhi. Her leadership marks a new chapter for the BJP in the national capital, reinforcing its commitment to women-centric policies and fresh political leadership.