Shalimar Bagh MLA Rekha Gupta to be new Delhi CM

The BJP on Wednesday announced Rekha Gupta, the MLA-elect from Shalimar Bagh, as the new chief minister of Delhi. She is set to take oath of office on Thursday, 20 February at Ram Lila Maidan.

Gupta’s appointment marks the first time since 2014 — when the BJP assumed power at the Centre — that the party has chosen a woman to lead a state under its governance. She also becomes the fourth woman to hold the position of chief minister of Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj (BJP), Sheila Dikshit (Congress), and Atishi (AAP).

A first-time MLA, Gupta defeated Aam Admi Party’s (AAP) Bandana Kumari, who had defeated her in the 2020 and 2015 elections. Gupta secured 68,200 votes in the 2025 Delhi assembly election, winning the Shalimar Bagh seat.

With an extensive political career behind her, Gupta is a seasoned BJP leader, currently serving as the general-secretary of the party's Delhi unit. At 50, she has also held the position of national vice-president of the BJP’s Mahila Morcha. A lawyer by profession, she began her political journey as president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) from 1996-97.

Gupta later entered municipal politics, winning the Delhi councillor elections in Uttari Pitampura (ward 54) in 2007 and securing re-election in 2012. She has also served as mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, adding to her administrative experience.

Gupta is also a long-time member of the RSS, having joined its student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, and subsequently being elected as DUSU president in the late 1990s.

In addition to her work as secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM)’s Delhi unit and as national secretary, Gupta has been elected as a councillor, general-secretary of Delhi BJP’s Mahila Morcha, and a member of the BJP’s national executive.

Speculation about the next Delhi chief minister had been mounting since 8 February following the BJP’s strong comeback in the capital, winning 48 of the 70 assembly seats. This marked a significant political shift, as the BJP had only secured 11 seats in the previous two elections. AAP, seeking a third consecutive term, won just 22 seats.

Although initial speculation had centred on New Delhi MLA Parvesh Kumar, reports suggest he may be appointed deputy chief minister, with Vijender Gupta slated to become speaker.

The BJP leadership is reportedly considering Gupta’s experience and the party’s possible preference for a woman leader to head the capital. Her tenure as mayor and active involvement in BJP-led initiatives in Delhi made her a strong candidate for the role.

The composition of the new Cabinet is expected to reflect the diversity of Delhi’s population, with representation from various communities, including Punjabi, Baniya, and Purvanchali, as well as ensuring inclusivity for women, SC, OBC, and Brahmin communities.