Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 20: Delhi has once again set a remarkable precedent in Indian politics with the appointment of Rekha Gupta as the new Chief Minister, reinforcing its unique history of women-led governance.
The capital’s political landscape has long been shaped by strong female leaders. It was in 1998 that Sushma Swaraj of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) became Delhi’s first woman Chief Minister, marking a significant milestone. Following her tenure, Congress leader Sheila Dikshit held office for an unprecedented 15 years, making her the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi.
In a more recent development, Atishi of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took charge in September 2024 after Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation, becoming Delhi’s third woman Chief Minister. Now, the baton is being passed once again, as Rekha Gupta is set to be sworn in as the fourth female Chief Minister of Delhi.
Gupta, an MLA from Shalimar Bagh, was unanimously chosen at the BJP legislature party meeting held at the state office in Pant Marg. The decision was overseen by senior BJP leaders and central observers, including former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and BJP National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankhar.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place today at Ramlila Maidan at noon, where Lt Governor Saxena will administer the oath of office. The grand event will witness the presence of top BJP leaders, allies, and a diverse gathering of Delhiites, including auto drivers, car drivers, and residents from slum clusters.
A Political Journey Rooted in Leadership
Born on July 19, 1974, in Nandgarh village, Haryana, Rekha Gupta moved to Delhi with her family at the age of two. Her father, a bank officer, ensured she received a strong academic foundation in the capital, shaping her future in public service.
Gupta’s political journey began in her student years at Delhi University, where she became actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). She made her mark as the President of Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) for the 1996-97 term, besides serving as the Secretary of Dyal Singh College.
Her dedication to public service saw her rise through the ranks of the BJP. She joined the party’s youth wing, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), in the early 2000s and served as National Secretary of BJYM from 2004 to 2006. Her leadership skills earned her significant responsibilities within the Delhi BJP.
In 2007, Gupta was elected as a councillor in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections from North Pitampura. During her tenure, she headed the Women’s Welfare and Child Development Committee and later held key positions such as General Secretary of the Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha and National Executive Member of the party.
Her ascension to the Chief Minister’s office marks a pivotal moment in Delhi’s political history, further cementing the city’s reputation as a frontrunner in women’s leadership at the state level.