Rekha Gupta has been elected as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislature Party in Delhi, paving the way for her to become the city’s fourth female Chief Minister. This decision follows the BJP’s remarkable victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, where the party secured 48 out of 70 seats, marking a return to power in the national capital after 27 years.
Born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Haryana, Rekha Gupta’s early life was influenced by the ideologies of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). She pursued her education at Delhi University, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Daulat Ram College. Her political journey commenced during her college years when she joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1992. Demonstrating leadership and commitment, she was elected as the Secretary of Daulat Ram College in 1994, followed by her tenure as the Secretary of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) in 1995. Her dedication culminated in her election as the President of DUSU for the 1996-1997 session. During her presidency, she introduced the “Common Admission Form,” simplifying the application process for countless students. Additionally, she established committees to combat sexual harassment and address issues of eve-teasing on campus, reflecting her commitment to student welfare and safety.
Transitioning from student politics to mainstream governance, Gupta was elected as a councillor from Uttari Pitampura (Ward 54) in 2007. Her tenure was marked by initiatives aimed at community development and women’s empowerment. She spearheaded the development of multi-utility projects in Pitampura, which included facilities like swimming pools, gyms, libraries, and community halls. Recognizing the need for organized urban infrastructure, she advocated for comprehensive underground parking solutions to address the area’s parking challenges. Her efforts also extended to environmental beautification, with the development of parks named after characters from the Ramayana, fostering a sense of cultural heritage among residents.
Gupta’s dedication to social causes led her to establish the NGO “An Active Association for Society” (AAS Foundation). Through this platform, she launched initiatives like “Chalo Sudama Dwar,” encouraging affluent individuals to contribute to the welfare of the underprivileged. Her role as the women trustee and coordinator of the Maharaja Agrasen International Kidney Hospital further underscores her commitment to accessible healthcare, ensuring affordable treatment for those in need.
In the political arena, Gupta’s ascent continued as she assumed roles such as the General Secretary of the Delhi BJP and National Vice President of the BJP Mahila Morcha. Her leadership qualities were recognized when she was nominated as the BJP’s mayoral candidate for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in December 2022. Despite a spirited campaign, she was defeated by AAP’s Shelly Oberoi.
The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marked a turning point in Gupta’s political career. Contesting from the Shalimar Bagh constituency, she secured a decisive victory over AAP’s Bandana Kumari with a margin of 29,595 votes. This win not only underscored her popularity but also reflected the electorate’s desire for change. Following the BJP’s overall success in the elections, Gupta was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party, positioning her to take on the role of Chief Minister.
In her post-election address, Gupta attributed the BJP’s success to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the public’s aspiration for development under his guidance. She remarked, “There is an expectation of development in Delhi. The people of Delhi want to work under the leadership of PM Modi.” She also criticized the previous AAP administration, describing it as “visionless” and highlighting the public’s recognition of its shortcomings.
As she prepares to assume office, Gupta has outlined her priorities, focusing on infrastructure development, women’s safety, and transparent governance. Her extensive experience in both grassroots activism and administrative roles equips her to address the multifaceted challenges of governing a dynamic metropolis like Delhi. Her journey from a student leader to the Chief Minister’s office serves as an inspiring testament to dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to public service.
