In keeping with the recent trend of the BJP of nominating wild card chief ministers, the party’s high command sprang yet another surprise by elevating Rekha Gupta, a former municipal councillor, to the highest chair in Delhi politics
Rekha Gupta’s journey from being a municipal councillor to becoming the chief minister of Delhi is a testament of the BJP’s internal party culture of recognising and promoting dedicated grassroots workers to the highest levels of the executive. Born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Haryana, she embarked on her political career in her student days.
She earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree from Daulat Ram College under Delhi University. Gupta’s foray into politics commenced during her university days. In 1996, she was elected president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), a role that not only showcased her leadership skills but also solidified her position as a formidable force in student politics. Earlier, she had served as the general secretary of DUSU. In 2002, she obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from IMIRC College of Law in Bhaina, Hapur, which is affiliated to the Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.
Transitioning from student leadership to mainstream politics, Gupta’s association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deepened as she entrenched herself in the party’s organisational framework. Her commitment and grassroots engagement did not go unnoticed, leading to her election as a municipal councillor from Uttari Pitampura (Ward 54) in both 2007 and 2012.
Her tenure as a councillor was marked by proactive initiatives aimed at urban development and public welfare. Gupta’s leadership qualities culminated in her serving as the mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), where she focused on infrastructure enhancement and community-centric programmes.
In the political landscape, Gupta faced challenges head-on. Notably, in 2022, she was the BJP’s mayoral candidate for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections but was defeated by AAP’s Shelly Oberoi. This setback, however, did not deter her resolve. Instead, it reinforced her determination to serve the public with renewed vigour.
The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marked a significant milestone in Gupta’s career. Contesting from the Shalimar Bagh constituency, she secured a decisive victory over AAP’s Bandana Kumari, with a margin of 29,595 votes. This triumph was emblematic of the BJP’s resurgence in Delhi after a 27-year hiatus, with the party clinching 48 out of 70 seats in the Assembly.
On February 20, 2025, Gupta was sworn in as the chief minister of Delhi, becoming the fourth woman to hold this esteemed position in the capital’s history.
Her ascent to this role is particularly noteworthy, as it also underscores the BJP’s commitment to promoting female leadership in governance.
Beyond her political endeavours, Gupta has been an advocate for women’s rights and child welfare. Her initiatives have consistently aimed at uplifting marginalised communities and ensuring equitable access to resources. As a member of the National Executive and general secretary of the Delhi state unit of the BJP, she has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that resonate with the aspirations of the populace.
In her personal life, Rekha Gupta is married to Manish Gupta, a businessman, and they have two children. As chief minister, Gupta faces the formidable task of addressing Delhi’s pressing challenges, including air and river pollution, infrastructure deficits, and public health concerns.
Her administration has pledged to revamp government schools, provide free health services, ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, and offer financial assistance to underprivileged women. Gupta’s trajectory from being a student leader to chief minister of Delhi is a narrative that the BJP intends to encash in future elections by holding out the promise of rewarding grassroots workers.
Transitioning from student leadership to mainstream politics, Gupta’s association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deepened as she entrenched herself in the party’s organisational framework. Her commitment and grassroots engagement did not go unnoticed, leading to her election as a municipal councillor from Uttari Pitampura (Ward 54) in both 2007 and 2012
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, along with her cabinet ministers, attended the Yamuna Aarti ceremony immediately after taking the oath of office
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