After nearly three decades, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finally reclaimed power in Delhi, marking a significant political shift in the national capital. The party’s landslide victory in the 2025 Assembly elections ended the 10-year dominance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal. More than 10 days after this historic win, BJP ended the suspense over its Chief Ministerial choice, selecting Rekha Gupta as the new CM of Delhi. Her appointment signals a strategic move by the party, blending experience, fresh leadership, and an appeal to its women voter base.
Who is Rekha Gupta?
Rekha Gupta, a three-time councillor and former mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), has steadily risen through the BJP ranks. Starting her political journey with the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections, she has played an active role in Delhi’s civic and municipal governance.
At 41, Gupta won the Shalimar Bagh seat with an impressive margin of nearly 30,000 votes in the recent Assembly elections. She is currently the National Vice President of the BJP Mahila Morcha and previously served as the general secretary of the Delhi BJP. Her long-standing association with the party and extensive grassroots experience make her a compelling choice for the CM post.
Why BJP Chose Rekha Gupta as Delhi’s CM
BJP’s decision to appoint Rekha Gupta over prominent contenders like Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, and Vijender Gupta is seen as a calculated move to solidify its voter base while maintaining a fresh political outlook. Several factors contributed to her selection:
- Women-Centric Leadership
Delhi has a strong history of women Chief Ministers, including Congress’s Sheila Dikshit, BJP’s Sushma Swaraj, and most recently, AAP’s Atishi. With women playing a crucial role in Delhi’s political landscape, BJP has reinforced its commitment to empowering women leaders by appointing Gupta. Notably, in the 2025 elections, more women turned out to vote than men—60.92% compared to 60.21%. This strategic choice aligns with BJP’s focus on women-centric governance and policies.
- Non-Controversial and Fresh Face
Unlike other BJP leaders such as Ramesh Bidhuri and Parvesh Verma, who have been embroiled in political controversies, Rekha Gupta brings a clean image. She has never contested a parliamentary election, making her a fresh yet experienced face to lead Delhi’s governance.
- Experience and Grassroots Connection
With over three decades in politics, Gupta has built strong connections at the grassroots level. Her political career, spanning from student politics at Delhi University to municipal governance, makes her well-versed in the issues that matter most to Delhi residents.
- BJP’s Focus on Women Voters
BJP has actively targeted the women voter base in Delhi, making several key promises in its election manifesto. These include the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, which provides a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to women, along with initiatives like free bus travel and healthcare benefits for women. By choosing Gupta, the BJP reinforces its commitment to these promises and ensures effective implementation of its women-centric policies.
Delhi’s Expectations from Rekha Gupta
With Rekha Gupta at the helm, Delhiites have high expectations for the city’s development and governance. Some of the key areas where people expect change include:
- Women’s Welfare and Safety
Delhi has long struggled with issues of women’s safety. With a woman CM, the public expects stricter policies and better execution of initiatives aimed at enhancing security and empowerment for women.
- Infrastructure Development
The BJP’s manifesto emphasized improving roads, public transport, and basic amenities. Gupta will need to ensure the timely execution of infrastructure projects that benefit all residents, particularly in underdeveloped areas.
- Addressing AAP’s Governance Legacy
Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure was marked by free electricity, water subsidies, and education reforms. The BJP must address these policies while introducing its own governance model that balances welfare with economic growth.
- Combating Pollution and Traffic Congestion
Delhi’s air quality and traffic congestion remain pressing concerns. Rekha Gupta will need to prioritize environmental sustainability and urban planning initiatives to tackle these persistent issues effectively.
A New Chapter for Delhi
With the BJP returning to power and Rekha Gupta taking charge as Delhi’s first woman CM from the party since Sushma Swaraj, the national capital is poised for a new political era. Her leadership will be closely watched as she navigates the challenges of governance, implements BJP’s vision, and works towards fulfilling the aspirations of Delhi’s citizens. Will she be able to deliver on BJP’s promises and steer Delhi toward a better future? Only time will tell, but for now, Delhi welcomes a fresh leadership and a new beginning.
(With inputs from agencies)
