Rekha Gupta, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has made history by becoming the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as it returns to power in the national capital after a nearly three-decade hiatus. Gupta’s journey to the top is a testament to her dedication and perseverance, shaped by her early days in student activism and her rise through the ranks of the BJP.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Haryana, Rekha Gupta moved to Delhi with her family at a young age. Her father, an officer at the State Bank of India, played a pivotal role in shaping her early life. Gupta pursued her education in Delhi, graduating from Daulat Ram College under Delhi University. She later completed her law degree (LLB) from IMIRC College of Law in Ghaziabad, affiliated with Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.
Career and Rise to Prominence
Gupta’s entry into politics began with her involvement in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, during her time at Delhi University. Her leadership skills were evident when she became the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1996-97, focusing on student welfare issues.
Her political career gained momentum as she served as a councillor from North Pitampura in 2007 and later became a part of the BJP’s Delhi unit. Gupta held key positions, including General Secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha and a member of the party’s national executive committee79. She also launched initiatives like the “Sumedha Yojana” to support economically weaker female students.
Election Victory and Appointment as Chief Minister
In the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Rekha Gupta secured a decisive victory in the Shalimar Bagh constituency, defeating AAP’s Bandana Kumari by a margin of 29,595 votes. This win marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Delhi, as the BJP secured 48 out of 70 seats, ending AAP’s decade-long dominance.
Gupta’s appointment as Chief Minister was announced by the BJP on February 19, 2025, and she took oath the following day. Her selection is seen as strategic, leveraging her identity as a woman from the Vaishya community, which has been a key demographic in Delhi’s political landscape.
Challenges and Future Plans
As the new Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta faces the challenge of living up to the BJP’s electoral promises while navigating the complex political dynamics of Delhi. She has pledged to work with “full honesty, integrity, and dedication” for the welfare and development of Delhi’s citizens.
Gupta’s swearing-in ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders, marked a historic moment for the party’s return to power in Delhi5. Her tenure is expected to focus on enhancing public services, infrastructure development, and addressing social issues, aiming to take Delhi to “new heights”.
In conclusion, Rekha Gupta’s ascension to the role of Delhi’s Chief Minister is a significant milestone, not only for her personal career but also for the BJP’s resurgence in the national capital. Her journey from student activism to political leadership reflects her commitment to public service and her ability to inspire and lead. As she embarks on this new chapter, Gupta’s vision for Delhi’s future will be closely watched by both her supporters and critics alike.