In a historic event at Ramlila Maidan, Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi’s Chief Minister on Thursday afternoon, becoming the city’s fourth female leader. The ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh, and chief ministers from various NDA-ruled states.
Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, expressed her gratitude and outlined her administration’s immediate plans. “After today’s swearing-in, I have taken charge at the Chief Minister’s office, and a cabinet meeting has been scheduled for this evening,” she informed reporters.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a significant victory in the recent Delhi assembly elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats and ending a 27-year hiatus from power in the capital. This triumph is attributed to promises of enhancing public education, providing free healthcare services, and ensuring reliable electricity supply.
Gupta’s political journey began in 1992 with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). By 1996-97, she had risen to the position of president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU). In 2007, she was elected as a councillor from North Pitampura. Her extensive experience within the party and dedication to public service have been pivotal in her ascent to the Chief Minister’s office.
The newly appointed cabinet comprises six other BJP leaders who were sworn in alongside Gupta. Notably, Parvesh Verma has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. The first cabinet meeting is slated for 7 PM at the civil secretariat, where the administration is expected to discuss and prioritize key issues such as pollution control, infrastructure development, and public welfare initiatives.
Gupta’s appointment is particularly significant, as it marks a rare instance of a woman leading the government in Delhi. She is the fourth woman to hold this position in the city’s history. Currently, Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal is the only other female Chief Minister in India. This development underscores the BJP’s commitment to promoting female leadership within its ranks.
Supporters gathered outside Gupta’s residence, celebrating her ascent to the Chief Minister’s role. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, reflecting the public’s anticipation of positive changes under her leadership. Gupta has pledged to foster accountability and inclusivity in her governance approach, aiming to address the diverse needs of Delhi’s populace.
The swearing-in ceremony and subsequent cabinet meeting signify a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape. With a focus on development and public welfare, the Gupta-led administration is poised to implement policies that resonate with the electorate’s aspirations. As Delhi embarks on this new journey, citizens and political analysts alike will be keenly observing the government’s initiatives and their impact on the city’s progress.
