Delhi’s New CM Ushers in a Political Shift – BJP’s Comeback After 27 Years!
Rekha Gupta took oath as the 9th CM of Delhi.
In a historic political shift, Rekha Gupta has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) return to power in the national capital after 27 years. The oath-taking ceremony, held at Ramlila Maidan, was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent leaders.
Profile of Rekha Gupta
Born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Haryana, Rekha Gupta’s political journey commenced during her academic tenure at Delhi University. She became actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1992 and ascended to the position of President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1996-97, where she championed student-centric issues.
Gupta’s political career further advanced when she was elected as a councillor from North Pitampura in 2007. During her tenure, she focused on enhancing public amenities, including the development of libraries, parks, and swimming pools. Her dedication led to her re-election in 2012 and subsequent service as the Mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), where she gained substantial administrative experience.
In the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Gupta contested from the Shalimar Bagh constituency and secured a decisive victory with 68,200 votes. Her election as the Leader of the House in the Delhi Assembly was announced by senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, culminating in her appointment as the Chief Minister.
Historical Context of Delhi’s Chief Ministers
Delhi’s political landscape has witnessed a diverse array of leadership since the establishment of the Chief Minister’s office. The inaugural Chief Minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash, served from 1952 to 1955, representing the Indian National Congress (INC). Following a period of political restructuring, the office was abolished in 1956 and reinstated in 1993. Since then, Delhi has seen leaders from various parties, including the BJP’s Madan Lal Khurana and Sushma Swaraj, the INC’s Sheila Dikshit, and the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi Marlena. Notably, Gupta becomes the fourth woman to hold the Chief Minister’s office in Delhi, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi Marlena.
Delhi’s Political Dynamics
Delhi’s political arena is characterized by its dynamic and multifaceted nature, influenced by a confluence of local and national issues. The BJP’s recent electoral success, securing 48 out of 70 seats, signifies a strategic resurgence, effectively ending a decade-long governance by the AAP. This victory is attributed to the party’s focused campaign addressing critical urban challenges such as pollution control, infrastructure development, and public service enhancements.
Gupta’s ascendancy to the Chief Minister’s role underscores the BJP’s commitment to promoting female leadership within its ranks. Her extensive experience in municipal governance and her advocacy for women’s empowerment resonate with the electorate’s aspirations for inclusive and effective governance. As she assumes office, Gupta is poised to navigate complex issues, including environmental concerns, infrastructural deficits, and the imperative to foster cohesive federal relations between Delhi’s state mechanisms and the central government.
The political trajectory of Delhi continues to evolve, reflecting the city’s unique status as the nation’s capital and its vibrant democratic ethos. Rekha Gupta’s leadership represents a new chapter in this ongoing narrative, with the potential to shape the future course of Delhi’s development and governance.
