Kapil Mishra, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was sworn in as a Minister of Law and Justice in the new Delhi government led by Rekha Gupta on Thursday. The 44-year-old took the oath of office at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan in the capital, administered by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Mishra was among the six cabinet ministers who took the oath alongside Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, further solidifying his position as a key figure in Delhi politics. Mishra will also oversee the Labour Department.
Mishra has been appointed as the new Minister of Law and Justice and will also oversee the Labour Department.
Political journey: From AAP to BJP
Born on November 13, 1980, Mishra first made his mark in politics with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He won the Delhi Assembly election from Karawal Nagar in 2015, securing victory as an AAP candidate. Following his win, he was inducted into Arvind Kejriwal’s cabinet as the Minister for Water Resources. However, his tenure in AAP was short-lived.
In 2017, Mishra was removed from the ministry after he leveled allegations of corruption against Kejriwal and then-minister Satyendar Jain. His accusations led to a bitter fallout with AAP, eventually prompting him to file a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau against the party leadership.
Defection and expulsion from AAP
Despite being an AAP MLA, Mishra was often seen aligning with BJP leaders, even sharing the stage with them at public events. His open support for the BJP intensified during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where he campaigned against AAP candidates. His actions led to a formal complaint to the Delhi Assembly Speaker and on August 2, 2019, he was disqualified as an MLA under the anti-defection law.
Shortly after his expulsion, Mishra officially joined the BJP, becoming one of the most vocal critics of Arvind Kejriwal and his administration.
Controversies and allegations
Mishra has remained a polarising figure in Delhi politics. In early 2020, he courted controversy over alleged provocative speeches ahead of the northeast Delhi riots. His statements drew sharp criticism, with many blaming them for inciting violence.
Complaints claim that he made inflammatory remarks and led a mob that targeted Muslim and Dalit protesters.
Family and personal background
Kapil Mishra hails from a family with strong political connections. His roots trace back to Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. His mother, Annapurna Mishra, is a former mayor of East Delhi and has been actively involved in municipal politics.
From his early days as an AAP reformist to his current role as a BJP minister, Mishra’s political journey has been marked by sharp turns.
Kapil Mishra’s net worth
Mishra’s total assets amount to Rs 1.06 crore. He has a debt of Rs 48.57 lakh. According to MyNeta, his income in 2023-24 was Rs 7.05 lakh, while in 2022-23, it was Rs 5.15 lakh. He possesses Rs 1 lakh in cash. The combined bank account deposits of him and his wife total Rs 3,53,700. His investments in bonds, debentures and shares are valued at Rs 1,65,982.
