Rekha Gupta: RSS-backed OBC ‘nari shakti’ to counter Kejriwal and Atishi

In a move that has sprung a surprise in Delhi’s political circles, the BJP has appointed Rekha Gupta, the Shalimar Garden MLA, as the new chief minister of Delhi.

However, despite being relatively unknown and lacking a strong mass base, Gupta’s caste, her close ties with the RSS leadership and commitment to Hindutva ideology have worked in her favour, securing her the top post in the capital’s politics.

Political journey and RSS connections

Rekha Gupta started her political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, during her time at Delhi University — a known breeding ground of BJP leaders in Delhi politics.

Over the years, she has cultivated strong relationships within the Sangh Parivar, which played a crucial role in her selection.

Congratulating Gupta, her contemporary and head of the All India Mahila Congress Alka Lamba shared a photograph on X in which both share the frame in their youth.

OBC / Baniya representation to show up former CM Kejriwal?

Gupta belongs to the OBC Baniya community, a factor that has also contributed to her selection. Political observers suggest that her appointment is a strategic move to counter Arvind Kejriwal, who enjoys considerable support from the trader community in Delhi.

Additionally, in selecting her, the saffron party has sent a broader electoral message to OBC and women voters across other BJP-ruled states.

Women-centric politics in BJP

The BJP has increasingly prioritised women’s representation, and Gupta’s selection as the chief minister of Delhi signals a calculated political move.

With women voters playing a crucial role in elections, the BJP aims to consolidate this support base not just in Delhi but across other states as well.

While her political journey at the helm is just beginning, Rekha Gupta’s tenure as Delhi chief minister will be closely watched — after all, she commands the spotlight, being in the NCR — both for her governance style and her ability to navigate Delhi’s political landscape under the shadow of the Modi–Shah leadership.

 A ‘pliable’ choice for Modi–Shah?

Gupta’s appointment aligns with a recent pattern seen in BJP’s leadership decisions.

The Modi-Shah duo has consistently picked less prominent or politically weaker leaders in key states to prevent any future challenges to their authority — examples being Mohan Yadav in Madhya Pradesh and Bhajan Lal Sharma in Rajasthan.

Analysts believe Gupta’s lack of an independent political base among Delhi voters is what makes her an asset to the union home minister and prime minister, ensuring that she remains loyal and aligned to the central leadership’s directives. Especially given their hands might be full with other challengers nearby...