Rekha Gupta to be sworn in as Delhi Chief Minister amid grand ceremony

Rekha Gupta is set to take the oath as Delhi‘s new Chief Minister, marking a historic shift in the capital’s governance. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s victory in the Delhi Assembly elections ended the decade-long rule of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), allowing the party to return to power after a 27-year gap. Gupta, a first-time MLA from the Shalimar Bagh constituency, secured her place as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party after defeating AAP’s Bandana Kumari in a high-stakes contest. She will be officially sworn in at Ram Leela Maidan on Thursday (Feb 20) in a high-profile ceremony attended by senior political leaders and dignitaries.

The BJP secured a landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats, a performance that decisively overturned AAP’s grip on the capital. The election results delivered a severe blow to AAP, which managed only 22 seats, reflecting a loss of public confidence in its governance. The Congress, once a dominant force in Delhi, failed to secure a single seat for the third consecutive time, highlighting its continued political decline in the state.

Who Is Rekha Gupta? BJP’s First Female Chief Minister In Over Two Decades

Rekha Gupta, at 50, is set to become Delhi’s fourth female chief minister after Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi. She is also only the second woman from the BJP to hold this office, a milestone that underscores her rapid rise within the party. A lawyer by profession, Gupta began her political career in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) while studying at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University. She gained prominence when she was elected as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1996-97, an achievement that set the foundation for her political trajectory.

Gupta contested the Shalimar Bagh constituency in the Delhi Assembly elections, securing a decisive victory over AAP’s Bandana Kumari with a margin of 29,595 votes. Her win marked the end of AAP’s stronghold in the area, reflecting a broader shift in voter sentiment.

Following her election as the BJP Legislative Party leader, Gupta reaffirmed her commitment to Delhi’s development, emphasizing her intent to govern with “full honesty, integrity, and dedication” while focusing on the welfare and empowerment of the city’s residents. She extended her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders for entrusting her with this significant responsibility.

What Role Will Parvesh Verma Play As Deputy Chief Minister?

Alongside Gupta, Parvesh Verma has been appointed as Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister, further solidifying BJP’s leadership in the state. Verma, a well-established BJP leader, emerged as a key figure in the party’s electoral success after defeating Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi Assembly seat. His victory was one of the biggest upsets in the Delhi Assembly elections, earning him the title of “giant killer” within political circles.

Verma’s role in the new administration will be crucial in shaping the BJP-led Delhi government’s policy agenda, particularly in areas such as urban development, infrastructure, and governance reforms. His experience in electoral politics and party strategy will likely play a pivotal role in BJP’s governance approach in the capital.

What To Expect At The Swearing-In Ceremony?

The oath-taking ceremony at Ram Leela Maidan is expected to be a grand event, drawing attendance from top political leaders, business tycoons, and Bollywood celebrities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior BJP leaders will be present, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

The ceremony will also be attended by industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, along with over 50 Bollywood personalities, including Akshay Kumar, Vivek Oberoi, and Hema Malini. To add to the celebratory atmosphere, renowned singer Kailash Kher is set to perform at the event.

Security arrangements are being tightened across the capital, with all roads leading to Ram Leela Maidan closed from the night of February 19. Only VVIP vehicles will be permitted entry to the venue, which is expected to accommodate around 30,000 guests.

Why Did The Aam Aadmi Party Suffer A Major Defeat?

The Delhi Assembly elections marked a stunning downfall for the Aam Aadmi Party, which saw its seat count shrink drastically from previous elections. While AAP had once been seen as a dominant force in Delhi politics, this election revealed growing voter dissatisfaction with its governance.

Several factors contributed to AAP’s electoral collapse, including allegations of misgovernance, corruption, and policy failures. Over time, public sentiment appeared to shift away from AAP, with many voters opting for BJP’s promises of stability and development instead. The defeat of Arvind Kejriwal by Parvesh Verma in the New Delhi Assembly seat was particularly symbolic, reflecting a broader shift in political support within the capital.

For the Congress, its continued failure to secure a single seat for the third consecutive election cycle further highlights its dwindling influence in Delhi politics. Once a formidable force in the state, the party has struggled to regain relevance in an increasingly polarized political environment.

What Lies Ahead For Delhi Under BJP’s Leadership?

With Rekha Gupta at the helm, BJP has a renewed opportunity to reshape Delhi’s political and governance landscape. The new administration faces several key challenges, including infrastructure development, urban planning, public safety, and economic growth.

Gupta’s leadership will be closely scrutinized as she works to deliver on electoral promises and implement policies that align with BJP’s vision for Delhi. The party’s ability to maintain its stronghold in the capital will depend on effective governance, strategic decision-making, and continued public engagement.

As Delhi transitions into this new political era, all eyes will be on Rekha Gupta and her team to determine whether BJP can maintain its electoral success beyond this election cycle.