Rekha Gupta, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking the party’s return to power in the national capital after 27 years. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the historic Ramlila Maidan, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top BJP officials, and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) chief ministers.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Haryana, Rekha Gupta moved to Delhi at the age of two when her father, Jai Bhagwan Jindal, assumed the role of branch manager at the State Bank of India in Pitampura. Her mother, Urmila Jindal, was a homemaker. Rekha completed her schooling at Manender Shakti Vidyalaya, Keshavpuram, and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Ashok Vihar. She pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University. During her college years, she became actively involved in student politics, joining the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1992. Her leadership skills led her to serve as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) from 1996 to 1997. Later, she earned advanced degrees in management and arts from Delhi University.
Political Career
Rekha Gupta’s political journey began with her involvement in student politics at Delhi University. In 2007, she was elected as a councillor from North Pitampura, focusing on enhancing local amenities such as libraries, parks, and swimming pools. She also launched the “Sumedha Yojana,” an initiative aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged female students in pursuing higher education. As chair of the Women Welfare and Child Development Committee, she spearheaded initiatives focused on women’s empowerment. Within the BJP, Rekha has held several key positions, including General Secretary of the party’s Mahila Morcha in Delhi and membership in its national executive committee. In the 2025 Delhi assembly election, as a first-time MLA, she won the Shalimar Bagh constituency, defeating AAP’s Bandana Kumari by a margin of 29,595 votes. Her appointment as Chief Minister is seen as a significant milestone, bringing hope and optimism for Delhi’s future under her leadership.
Personal Life
In 1998, Rekha married Manish Gupta, an industrialist specializing in brass parts. The couple has two children: a son currently attending college and a daughter involved in the family business. Rekha’s dedication to both her family and her political career showcases her ability to balance personal and professional responsibilities effectively.
BJP’s Return to Power
The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after nearly three decades signifies a pivotal shift in the city’s political landscape. The swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan was a grand affair, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries in attendance. Alongside Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, six cabinet ministers were also sworn in: Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra, Ravinder Indraj Singh, and Pankaj Singh. This collective leadership aims to address pressing issues in Delhi, including pollution control, infrastructure development, and women’s safety.
Future Outlook
As Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. Her extensive background in student politics, municipal governance, and party leadership positions her well to navigate the complexities of the capital’s administration. The citizens of Delhi anticipate progressive policies and effective governance under her leadership, fostering a more inclusive and developed city.
