Who is Rekha Gupta, and why did the BJP select her as the Chief Minister of Delhi?

This question has been on the minds of many individuals following the recent announcement. Let us delve into the background and qualifications of Rekha Gupta to understand the reasoning behind the BJP’s decision.

The BJP has selected Rekha Gupta, a three-time councillor, as the Chief Minister of Delhi. Gupta, who began her political journey with the Delhi University Students Union elections, has been chosen by the BJP to solidify a lasting legacy and send a powerful message to its female voter demographic.

Rekha Gupta, who was appointed as the Chief Minister of Delhi on Wednesday, may be a first-time MLA, but she boasts a significant tenure in the realm of politics. The decision to select her as the Delhi CM over other notable figures, such as the formidable Parvesh Verma, suggests that the BJP is aiming to achieve success on multiple fronts.

At 41 years old, Gupta emerged victorious in the Shalimar Bagh constituency during the recent Delhi Assembly election, securing a substantial lead of nearly 30,000 votes. “Kaam hi Pehchaan” (my work is my identity) serves as the tagline that the BJP leader employs on her website for her various campaigns.

Rekha Gupta emerged as a prominent figure in the Delhi BJP leadership, alongside other frontrunners such as Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Vijender Gupta, Satish Upadhyay, and Jitendra Mahajan, all vying for the Chief Minister’s post.

Rekha Gupta’s political journey began with the Delhi University student elections, leading to her becoming a three-time councilor and former Mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation. She also contested as the BJP’s candidate for MCD Mayor against AAP’s Shelly Oberoi in 2022. Currently serving as the National Vice President of the BJP Mahila Morcha, Gupta has previously held the position of General Secretary of the Delhi BJP. She holds a degree from Daulat Ram College and has a history of leadership, having served as the President of DUSU in the 1996-97 session and first elected as a councilor in 2007.

The decision to appoint Rekha Gupta as Delhi’s Chief Minister reflects the BJP’s strategy to uphold the legacy of women leaders in the state, contrasting with Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure. Delhi has seen notable women Chief Ministers in the past, including Sheila Dikshit’s 15-year rule under the Congress party. Atishi, from AAP, and Sushma Swaraj, from BJP, have also held the position.

Atishi, the outgoing CM, succeeded Kejriwal in September 2024 and served for five months. Sushma Swaraj, who briefly held the position in 1998, was brought in by the BJP to address challenges before the Assembly polls, which the party ultimately lost, partly due to issues like rising onion prices. The appointment of Rekha Gupta signifies a continuation of Delhi’s legacy of women leadership in politics.

The history of Chief Ministers in Delhi includes a 15-year tenure by a female CM, with the possibility of another 5 years under a woman CM. Additionally, the 5-month term of Atishi and Kejriwal’s 10-year tenure provide a stark contrast.

The selection of Rekha Gupta as the CM aligns with the BJP’s emphasis on promoting women in electoral politics and policy-making.

During the recent election for the 70-member Delhi Assembly, the BJP nominated nine candidates, with four women emerging victorious. Notably, female voter turnout surpassed that of men, with women at 60.92% and men at 60.21%.

Despite the AAP’s reliance on female voters, the BJP secured a decisive victory, claiming 48 out of the 70 seats. This success reflects the BJP’s strategic focus on women as a key voter demographic.

In its election manifesto, the BJP made significant commitments to women in Delhi. These include a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, as well as continued support for existing welfare programs like free bus travel.

Furthermore, the BJP pledged Rs 21,000 and six nutritional kits for pregnant women, along with free cancer screenings in Delhi government hospitals. This initiative falls under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

Unlike some BJP leaders in Delhi, such as Ramesh Bidhuri and Parvesh Verma, Rekha Gupta has maintained a clean record without major controversies. As a seasoned political figure within the BJP for over three decades, her appointment as Delhi CM represents a fresh and non-controversial choice, signaling a new era for the city.

Rekha Gupta’s leadership as Delhi CM not only underscores the BJP’s commitment to promoting women in politics but also introduces a new chapter in the city’s history with a capable and experienced leader at the helm.