Rekha Gupta Takes Oath As Delhi’s First BJP Chief Minister In 27 Years
New Delhi, 20th February 2025: Rekha Gupta, a 50-year-old first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi today, marking a historic moment for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it returns to power in the national capital after 27 years. The oath-taking ceremony, held at the iconic Ramlila Maidan, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other prominent BJP leaders, symbolizing the party’s triumphant return to Delhi’s political landscape.
Gupta’s appointment as Chief Minister comes as a surprise to many, including party heavyweights, and represents a strategic move by the BJP leadership. She becomes the fourth woman to hold the top post in Delhi, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj (BJP), Sheila Dikshit (Congress), and Atishi (Aam Aadmi Party). The decision to elevate Gupta to the chief ministerial position reflects the BJP’s focus on balancing caste representation and promoting fresh leadership in the capital.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Gupta declared, “I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties as the Chief Minister of Delhi”. Her ascent to power comes after the BJP’s sweeping victory in the recent Delhi assembly elections, where the party secured 48 out of 70 seats, ending the 10-year rule of Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party.
The ceremony, which began at 11 am and concluded at 12:34 pm, was a grand affair with three separate stages set up to accommodate various dignitaries. The main stage hosted Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Shah, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and the newly sworn-in Chief Minister. The event was attended by over 200 MPs and MLAs from the BJP and its allies, along with religious leaders, film stars, industrialists, and diplomats.
Gupta’s political journey spans nearly three decades, starting from her days as a student leader. Despite her long-standing service to the party, she has maintained a low profile throughout her career. Her selection as Chief Minister is seen as part of the BJP’s strategy to present a fresh face to the people of Delhi while ensuring representation for various communities.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence in Gupta’s ability to lead Delhi, stating, “Under the vision of PM Modi, she will fulfill the dream of the people of Delhi to become a developed city”. This sentiment echoes the BJP’s broader vision for the national capital and its development agenda.
As Gupta takes charge of the Delhi government, she faces the challenge of implementing the BJP’s vision for the city and meeting the high expectations set by her predecessors. Her tenure will be closely watched as she navigates the complex political landscape of the national capital and works towards fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign.
