Who will be Delhi CM: Ashish Sood and Rekha Gupta among top contenders; know more about them

With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) set to name its Chief Minister for Delhi, two key contenders have emerged—Ashish Sood and Rekha Gupta, sources told The Indian Express. The decision is likely to be finalised after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return from his US visit, with BJP’s high command expected to make an official announcement soon.

Who is Ashish Sood? BJP leader in the race for Delhi CM

Ashish Sood, a long-time BJP leader, secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, defeating AAP’s Rajesh Rishi in the Janakpuri constituency. Sood has been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP’s Delhi unit for decades, holding various strategic roles within the party’s structure.

He has served as a Delhi BJP vice president and played a crucial role in the party’s organisational expansion. Sood’s political experience extends beyond electoral politics; he has been instrumental in the BJP’s outreach efforts in the national capital. Known for his strong grassroots connections, he has maintained a consistent presence in Delhi’s political landscape.

Sood’s deep ties with the Sangh Parivar and his long-standing work within BJP’s Delhi unit position him as a strong contender for the CM post, particularly as the party aims to consolidate its base and governance in the capital. His ability to manage party affairs and his track record in the Delhi BJP structure make him a preferred choice for many within the leadership.

Who is Rekha Gupta? Former Mayor and BJP’s Woman CM contender

Rekha Gupta, another prominent BJP leader, has also emerged as a leading contender for the Delhi CM post. She won from the Shalimar Bagh constituency in the recent elections, defeating AAP’s Vandana Kumari by a significant margin of 29,595 votes.

Originally from Jind, Haryana, Gupta has been actively involved in politics since her student days. She has been associated with the RSS and BJP for years, gradually rising through the ranks. She has previously served as the mayor of North Delhi and has been a vocal leader within the BJP’s Mahila Morcha. Her current role as the general secretary of the Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha and a member of BJP’s National Executive highlights her strong standing in the party’s women’s wing.

If appointed, Gupta would become the only woman BJP Chief Minister across 21 states, making her selection a significant milestone for the party. With a background in local governance and organisational leadership, she brings administrative experience to the table, along with strong backing from the party’s women-centric networks.

BJP’s Chief Ministerial decision: What comes next?

With the BJP securing victory in the Delhi elections, the choice of the Chief Minister will be critical for the party’s governance strategy in the capital. Both Sood and Gupta bring distinct advantages—Sood’s deep-rooted organisational experience and strong RSS backing, and Gupta’s administrative credentials and appeal within the party’s women’s leadership.

The BJP leadership is expected to weigh these factors before making a final call, with an official announcement likely in the coming days.