On a momentous Wednesday evening, an air of celebration engulfed the streets of Shalimar Bagh as news broke of Rekha Gupta’s appointment as the next Chief Minister of Delhi.
Early Life and Education
Born in Nandgarh village in Haryana’s Jind district, Rekha Gupta’s early years were shaped by humble beginnings. Her family moved to Delhi when she was just two years old, where her father worked for the State Bank of India.
Raised in the bustling capital city, Gupta’s academic pursuits led her to Daulat Ram College, where she embarked on her political journey by joining the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Her leadership skills quickly came to the fore, and she rose through the ranks to become the general secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) from 1995 to 1996. She later assumed the prestigious position of DUSU president from 1996 to 1997.
Rekha Gupta holds a degree in commerce and later earned a master’s degree in management and arts from the University of Delhi. In her continued pursuit of knowledge, she completed a Bachelor of Laws degree from a law college in Ghaziabad.
Entry into Politics and the Rise in BJP
In 2002, Gupta joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking the beginning of her deep involvement in mainstream politics. She started her tenure as the secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha’s (BJYM) Delhi unit and later became the outfit’s national secretary, holding this post until 2005.
Over the years, she served in several key positions within the party, including as the general secretary of the Delhi BJP’s Mahila Morcha, national vice-chairperson of the BJP Mahila Morcha, and national in-charge of the Uttar Pradesh Mahila Morcha. Her unwavering dedication earned her a place in the BJP National Executive.
Electoral Politics: Wins and Setbacks
Rekha Gupta made her electoral debut in 2007 when she won the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections from the North Pitampura ward. She was appointed as the chairperson of the Women’s Welfare and Child Development Committee, where she championed several initiatives for women and children.
Her leadership capabilities were further recognized when she was re-elected in 2012, taking on the role of vice-chairperson of the Standing Committee, the MCD’s highest financial decision-making body. Additionally, from 2012 to 2013, she served as the chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) education department.
Her ambition led her to contest the Delhi Assembly elections in 2015, where she faced a setback against AAP’s Bandana Kumari, losing by 10,978 votes. Undeterred, she ran again in 2020, narrowing the margin to 3,440 votes but still falling short.
However, her perseverance bore fruit in the 2022 MCD elections, where she emerged victorious from the Shalimar Bagh ward. That same year, she was the BJP’s candidate for the mayoral polls but lost to AAP’s Shelly Oberoi.
Determined to make a mark in the state Assembly, she was once again fielded against Bandana Kumari in the 2024 elections. This time, her efforts culminated in a decisive victory, securing a win by 29,595 votes.
Becoming Delhi’s Chief Minister
A first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, Gupta’s political acumen and extensive experience as a municipal councillor paved the way for her appointment as Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister. The BJP legislature party’s decision to entrust her with the top role underscores her credibility as a leader capable of driving governance and development in the capital.
Upon taking the oath of office, Rekha Gupta will not only lead Delhi but also stand as the only woman Chief Minister among BJP-ruled states and Union Territories. Her leadership is expected to focus on governance reforms, public welfare, and strengthening BJP’s presence in the national capital.
Family and Personal Life
Rekha Gupta’s family has been a pillar of support throughout her political journey. Her husband, Manish Gupta, a businessman, expressed immense pride and excitement upon her appointment. Her mother-in-law, Meera Gupta, echoed similar sentiments, confident that Rekha would excel in her new role as Chief Minister.
The CM-designate is also a mother of two children. Her daughter is pursuing her post-graduation in Australia, while her son is completing his engineering degree in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
Leadership and Vision
Rekha Gupta’s leadership is characterized by her extensive grassroots experience and strong organizational skills. Her colleagues vouch for her administrative abilities, resilience, and deep understanding of Delhi’s issues. MCD Leader of the Opposition, Raja Iqbal Singh, praised her political expertise, highlighting her sensitivity to public concerns. Similarly, Saraswati Vihar councillor Shikha Bharadwaj described her as a bold and compassionate leader who is well aware of Delhi’s challenges and solutions.
