The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced senior party leader Rekha Gupta as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. The party appointed National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad as central observers to oversee the selection process.
While initial speculations pointed toward New Delhi MLA Parvesh Kumar, the party zeroed in on Gupta to take the lead. Gupta is second woman Chief Minister of Delhi from the BJP after Sushma Swaraj.
Who is Rekha Gupta?
Rekha Gupta is a seasoned BJP leader with a long political career rooted in student leadership. Currently serving as the General Secretary of Delhi BJP, the 50-year-old has previously been the National Vice President of BJP’s Mahila Morcha. She won the Shalimar Bagh (North-West) seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly Election with 68,200 votes.
Gupta, a lawyer by profession, began her journey in politics as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) from 1996 to 1997. She later transitioned into municipal politics, winning the Delhi Councillor elections from Uttari Pitampura (Ward 54) in 2007 and securing re-election in 2012. She has also served as the Mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, further strengthening her administrative credentials.
BJP’s Strategy for Delhi
According to reports, the BJP leadership is considering Gupta’s experience and the party’s potential preference for a woman leader to lead the capital. Her tenure as a former Mayor and active role in BJP-led initiatives in Delhi make her a strong contender for the role.
The announcement was initially delayed due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent return from the US. The central observers will assess the political landscape before finalizing the Chief Minister and six cabinet ministers. Unlike in some other BJP-ruled states, reports suggest that Delhi may not have a Deputy CM.
Swearing-in on February 20
The swearing-in ceremony will take place on February 20. The BJP is aiming to establish a stable government in Delhi as it takes charge after securing victory in the recent assembly elections.