New Delhi | The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Rekha Gupta as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, following the party’s resounding victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025. This historic appointment marks a significant moment for the national capital as Gupta becomes the fourth woman to hold the prestigious position of Delhi’s Chief Minister.

The BJP’s decision came after a key meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Board, which was attended by observers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Om Prakash Dhankar. The two observers were tasked with overseeing the process of selecting the new leader. The decision also reflects the party’s trust in Rekha Gupta’s leadership, who is now poised to lead the Delhi government.

Rekha Gupta’s Journey to Delhi CM

Rekha Gupta, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Shalimar Bagh, was chosen as the BJP’s candidate for the top post in Delhi. She brings with her a wealth of experience, both in politics and public service. Notably, she will follow in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj, the last BJP leader to hold the position of Delhi’s Chief Minister in 1998, though her tenure was brief.

Gupta is a trailblazer as she becomes the fourth woman to take charge as Delhi’s Chief Minister. The first woman to hold the position was Sushma Swaraj (BJP), followed by Sheila Dikshit (Congress) and Atishi (Aam Aadmi Party, AAP). This marks a milestone in the capital’s political history, with Rekha Gupta becoming the only female Chief Minister in BJP-led states under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In India, the only other current female Chief Minister is Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

BJP’s Parliamentary Board Meeting and Leadership Selection

The decision to appoint Rekha Gupta was made during a meeting of the BJP’s Parliamentary Board. Ravi Shankar Prasad and Om Prakash Dhankar, two senior BJP leaders, were appointed as observers to ensure the smooth and transparent selection process. The 48 newly elected BJP MLAs from Delhi gathered at this meeting to finalize their choice of leader, ultimately settling on Rekha Gupta.

Gupta’s leadership has been lauded within the BJP for her ability to unite people and effectively manage critical party positions over the years. Her appointment comes at a time when the BJP is aiming to strengthen its position in Delhi and re-establish its presence after years of competition with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress.

The Swearing-in Ceremony: Date and Time Details

The Delhi Chief Minister swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, February 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Ramlila Maidan. The event will be attended by several prominent national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Invitations have also been extended to former Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi from the AAP, signaling the inclusivity and importance of the event in Delhi’s political landscape.

In preparation for the ceremony, traffic restrictions will be imposed across several key routes in Delhi. The restrictions will be in effect from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on February 20, ensuring the smooth flow of the ceremony’s proceedings and the safety of attendees.

Rekha Gupta: A Political Leader with Extensive Experience

Rekha Gupta’s journey in politics has been long and dynamic. She began her career in student politics, becoming the Secretary of Daulat Ram College in 1994-95. The following year, she was elected as the Secretary of Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), serving from 1995 to 1996. Gupta’s leadership abilities were soon recognized, and in 1996-97, she became the President of DUSU.

Gupta’s political career continued to rise through the ranks of the BJP Yuva Morcha, where she was appointed as the Secretary of the Delhi State in 2003-2004. Her role expanded further when she became the National Secretary of BJP Yuva Morcha between 2004 and 2006. This was during the tenure of BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan as president of the youth wing.

Her grassroots experience extended beyond student politics, as she became a Councilor of Uttari Pitampura in 2007. During her time as a Municipal Corporator, she took on the responsibility of Chairperson of the Women Welfare and Child Development Committee (MCD), a position she held for two consecutive years, from 2007 to 2009.

Rekha Gupta’s work with the Mahila Morcha of BJP also stands out. She served as the General Secretary of BJP’s Delhi State Mahila Morcha from 2009 onwards. Her leadership in this role helped strengthen the party’s position among women voters, ensuring their issues were brought to the forefront of BJP’s political agenda.

In March 2010, she was honored with the position of National Executive Member within the BJP, cementing her place as a senior leader in the party’s national framework.

A New Chapter for Delhi

With Rekha Gupta’s appointment as Delhi’s new Chief Minister, a new chapter begins for the national capital. The BJP has long sought to regain political control in Delhi after the rise of the AAP and the dominance of the Congress in the earlier years. Rekha Gupta’s leadership will be crucial in the coming years as the BJP strives to strengthen its base among Delhi’s voters, especially among women, youth, and working professionals.

Gupta’s political ideology aligns with the BJP’s core values, emphasizing development, security, and welfare. Her track record as a leader committed to the welfare of women and children speaks to her focus on social issues, which will likely shape her tenure as Chief Minister.

Her rise also signals a broader shift in India’s political landscape, where women leaders are increasingly assuming significant positions of power. Gupta’s appointment underscores the growing prominence of female leaders in the political arena, paving the way for future women leaders to take on top roles in governance.

Rekha Gupta’s appointment as the Chief Minister of Delhi is a historic moment that highlights the BJP’s confidence in her leadership. With a rich political background, both at the grassroots level and within the party structure, Gupta is poised to bring about meaningful change in the capital.

As the Delhi CM swearing-in ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on the new Chief Minister, who is set to lead the city through challenging times. Whether Rekha Gupta can unite Delhi under her leadership remains to be seen, but her experience, dedication, and commitment to public service are strong foundations for her tenure.

The appointment is also a reminder of the significant role women are playing in shaping India’s political future, as more and more women leaders are emerging at the forefront of governance across the country.