Rekha Gupta takes charge as Delhi Chief Minister, announces cabinet portfolios and 100-day governance plan

Delhi’s political landscape witnessed a significant shift as Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi in a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday, February 20. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, who led the party to a decisive victory, now faces the challenge of delivering on her promises, particularly in governance, infrastructure, and public welfare. Immediately after assuming office, she chaired her first Delhi Cabinet meeting, where she announced the allocation of ministerial portfolios to her team.

What Are the Key Portfolios in Rekha Gupta’s Cabinet?

As part of the newly formed BJP-led Delhi government, Rekha Gupta has taken direct control of crucial departments, reflecting her intent to oversee the city’s financial and administrative operations. She will manage the Finance, Revenue, General Administration, Women and Child Development, Land and Building, Information and Public Relations, Vigilance, Administrative Reforms, and Planning departments, along with any ministries not allocated to other cabinet members.

Parvesh Verma has been appointed as Deputy Chief Minister, handling the Public Works Department (PWD), Legislative Affairs, Water Resources, and Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC). His role will be pivotal in addressing Delhi’s persistent infrastructure and water management issues.

Ashish Sood will oversee Home, Power, Urban Development, and Education, positioning him at the heart of policy decisions affecting law enforcement, energy distribution, and educational reforms. Manjinder Singh Sirsa has been assigned Food and Supplies, Forest and Environment, and Industries, indicating the government’s emphasis on sustainability and economic growth. Other key appointments include Ravinder Singh in charge of Social Welfare, SC/ST Welfare, Cooperative, and Elections, and Kapil Mishra handling Law and Justice, Labour, Employment, Art and Culture, Language, and Tourism. Pankaj Singh will be responsible for Health and Family Welfare, Transport, and Information Technology, a portfolio critical for public health initiatives and mobility solutions in the capital.

What Are the Key Focus Areas in the First 100 Days?

Rekha Gupta has outlined an ambitious 100-day action plan aimed at demonstrating “visible results” within a short timeframe. The BJP-led Delhi administration is under pressure to deliver swiftly, given the party’s electoral commitment to governance improvements.

The first priority on the government’s agenda is the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat medical insurance scheme in Delhi, a long-awaited initiative that could provide crucial healthcare benefits to underprivileged citizens. Despite its national rollout, the scheme was previously absent in Delhi, making its implementation a key promise of Gupta’s campaign.

Another immediate focus is the cleaning of the Yamuna River, a longstanding environmental and political issue. The government plans to address water pollution and waste management by accelerating desilting efforts and controlling industrial discharge into the river. This initiative aligns with BJP’s broader push for river rejuvenation projects across India.

Road maintenance and infrastructure improvements are also high on the agenda. Gupta’s administration plans to tackle road de-silting and sewer cleaning operations, a measure aimed at preventing seasonal flooding and improving urban sanitation. A comprehensive citywide cleanliness drive will be launched to enhance public hygiene and waste disposal efficiency, targeting garbage accumulation and sanitation challenges that have plagued various parts of Delhi.

The repair and maintenance of roads is another priority, with an emphasis on improving connectivity and reducing congestion. Given the capital’s increasing vehicular load, enhanced transport infrastructure could alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve daily commuting conditions for residents.

How Did Rekha Gupta Secure the Chief Ministerial Position?

Gupta’s rise to power marks a significant political transition in Delhi, as her victory in the Shalimar Bagh constituency ended the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s decade-long hold in the area. She defeated AAP’s Bandana Kumari by 29,595 votes, signaling a major shift in voter sentiment. The BJP’s sweeping victory in 48 out of 70 seats positioned the party as the dominant force in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, effectively displacing AAP’s stronghold.

Following her swearing-in, Gupta described her appointment as a “new chapter for women in politics”, emphasizing transparency, governance reforms, and accountability as key principles of her administration. She asserted that her government would hold corrupt officials accountable, reinforcing BJP’s pledge to improve governance efficiency in Delhi.

What Are the Challenges Facing the New Government?

Despite its ambitious agenda, the BJP-led administration faces considerable challenges in executing its 100-day action plan. The implementation of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi requires extensive coordination between the central and state health authorities, given the prior reluctance of the previous administration to adopt the scheme.

Similarly, the Yamuna River cleanup project involves a complex network of municipal and environmental regulatory approvals, necessitating long-term planning and investment. Infrastructure and sanitation reforms, particularly road repairs and sewer cleaning, demand efficient execution and budget allocations to achieve tangible results within 100 days.

The expectations from the electorate remain high, particularly from BJP supporters who anticipate swift governance reforms. The opposition, including AAP, is likely to scrutinize the new administration’s progress, making timely delivery of promises crucial for maintaining public trust.

How Has BJP’s Leadership Reacted to Gupta’s Appointment?

Rekha Gupta’s elevation to the Chief Minister’s office has received strong backing from the BJP’s central leadership. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior party officials, underscoring the importance of BJP’s governance strategy in Delhi. Modi congratulated Gupta on assuming office and expressed confidence in her ability to lead Delhi towards better governance and development.

An official notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed the appointment, stating, “The President is pleased to appoint Rekha Gupta as the Chief Minister, National Capital Territory of Delhi, with effect from the date she is sworn in.”

With BJP’s leadership closely monitoring Delhi’s new government, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Gupta’s administration can deliver on its ambitious 100-day plan while setting a foundation for long-term reforms.