Rekha Gupta Takes Charge as Delhi’s First-Time Woman Chief Minister

Historic Turn in the Capital’s Political Timeline

Rekha Gupta Takes Charge as Delhi’s First-Time Woman Chief Minister: Rekha Gupta, the newly elected MLA from Shalimar Bagh, was officially sworn in as Delhi’s Chief Minister at a widely attended event at Ramlila Maidan. With this appointment, she becomes the fourth woman to hold the capital’s highest office, joining the legacy of Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi. The oath ceremony was conducted by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and witnessed by senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting strong backing from the central leadership.

Key Priorities for Governance and Reforms

In her inaugural speech, Gupta pledged focused action on women’s welfare, announcing a plan for monthly financial support of ₹2,500 for women across Delhi. She also committed to launching a comprehensive clean-up of the Yamuna River, expanding Ayushman Bharat healthcare benefits, and addressing urban mobility and infrastructure bottlenecks. These promises align with the BJP’s reform-driven vision of inclusive urban governance.

Composition of the New Cabinet

Alongside Rekha Gupta, six ministers were sworn into the Delhi state cabinet: Parvesh Verma, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ashish Sood, Pankaj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Ravinder Indraj Singh. This team represents a mix of seasoned politicians and new faces, offering both stability and renewal. Gupta’s leadership is seen as part of a larger effort by the BJP to enhance women’s representation in high office and challenge AAP’s dominance over the past decade.

Reaction from Opposition and Cooperation Signals

Outgoing CM Atishi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal extended congratulatory messages to Gupta, with Kejriwal expressing a willingness to cooperate for Delhi’s growth. AAP’s Gopal Rai urged continuity in major welfare programmes introduced under the previous government. However, the new BJP-led administration has signaled it will focus on fresh initiatives while retaining useful schemes from the past.

Rekha Gupta’s Background and Political Profile

Rekha Gupta is known for her deep-rooted community engagement and strength within party ranks. Her declared assets are valued at ₹5.3 crore, including properties located in Rohini and Shalimar Bagh. Seen as a strategic BJP move to connect with urban women and young voters, her rise to the CM’s post reflects a shift toward inclusive leadership. Her ability to deliver on promises will be closely monitored in the coming months.

STATIC GK SNAPSHOT: Rekha Gupta’s Appointment as Delhi CM