New Delhi: Rekha Gupta, a seasoned politician with a 30-year career, is poised to assume the role of Chief Minister of Delhi on February 20. Hailing from Shalimar Bagh, she is recognized as a grassroots leader with a background in the RSS and ABVP. Her political career commenced during her time as a B.Com student at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, where she became involved with the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1992.
Gupta was selected as the BJP’s candidate after receiving unanimous support from 48 MLAs of the party, who elected her as the leader of the Delhi BJP legislature party. Upon accepting this significant position, Ms. Gupta expressed, “It is a matter of pride for every woman in the country. We will fulfil all commitments made by the BJP in Delhi. It will be my life’s purpose.”
In a notable victory, she defeated Bandana Kumari, a three-time MLA and former Deputy Speaker from the AAP, by a margin of 29,595 votes. At 50 years old, Gupta has served as a councillor for Shalimar Bagh on three occasions. She joined the BJP in the 2000s and has held several important organizational positions, including Delhi BJP General Secretary, president of the BJP’s Mahila Morcha, and national vice-president of the Uttar Pradesh Mahila Morcha. Additionally, she has been an office-bearer in the BJP’s Yuva Morcha.
Despite her achievements, Gupta’s political journey has included setbacks, as she previously ran for the Shalimar Bagh seat in the 2015 and 2020 Assembly elections without success.
Originating from Julana, Haryana, the BJP’s selection of this candidate sends a definitive signal to the AAP. An insider from the party remarked, “The former Chief Minister was labeled a ‘temporary CM’, and now the BJP has introduced a formidable contender to challenge that perception.”
In 1995, she assumed the role of Secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) representing the ABVP, subsequently becoming the DUSU president the following year. During her tenure as secretary, Alka Lamba, affiliated with the Congress-backed National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and now a Congress leader, held the presidential position.
Advocacy for Women’s Issues
Ms. Lamba stated, “While we did not always see eye to eye on ideological matters, as she adhered to a strong RSS ideology and did not align with Gandhian principles, we united on issues concerning women. Together, we championed causes such as campus safety and the establishment of more women’s colleges.”
Describing her as a determined advocate, numerous BJP leaders who served alongside Ms. Gupta as councillors noted her commitment to women’s rights. She brought attention to the need for women’s restrooms and worked on essential community facilities like parks and libraries. Ms. Gupta has risen from grassroots origins, and her steadfast resolve has propelled her to the position of Chief Minister of the capital.
Manu Sharma Kataria, currently an Associate Professor at Delhi University and a former national vice-president of ABVP, reminisced about their college days, stating, “Ms. Gupta has consistently demonstrated capability, discipline, and sincerity. Appointing her as Chief Minister was a wise choice, as individuals with grassroots experience tend to evolve into effective leaders.”
A fellow DUSU member from the ABVP remarked that Ms. Gupta spearheaded several initiatives on campus. “We collaborated on the campaign for a 180-day academic calendar, as previously, the university operated for fewer than 160 days. She also advocated for the establishment of women’s hostels and enhanced safety for women.” Following her time at Delhi University, she completed her LLB at Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut in 2022.
In her campaign leading up to the 2025 Assembly elections, Ms. Gupta pledged to transform Delhi into a ‘Viksit Delhi,’ which she believes is essential for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ to have as its capital.
