The uncertainty surrounding Delhi’s new chief minister came to an end on Wednesday, January 19, 2025, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed first-time MLA Rekha Gupta to the position. This decision marks the party’s return to power in the national capital after nearly three decades, having won 48 out of 70 seats. Gupta’s selection was officially announced during the BJP’s legislature party meeting, which was attended by observers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Om Prakash Dhankhar. Here’s a closer look at Rekha Gupta and her journey.
Who Is Rekha Gupta?
Rekha Gupta, a lawyer, will be the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi since 1993, after BJP's Sushma Swaraj, Congress' Sheila Dikshit, and AAP's Atishi. The 50-year-old first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh secured a decisive victory over AAP candidate Bandana Kumari by more than 29000 votes in the February 5 Assembly elections. Interestingly, Gupta had previously contested from Shalimar Bagh in the 2015 and 2020 Delhi polls but faced defeat against AAP’s Bandana Kumari on both occasions. She is set to take the oath of office today at noon in a grand swearing-in ceremony at the iconic Ramlila Maidan.
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Rekha Gupta Education
Coming from a politically active family with strong ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Rekha Gupta was influenced by its ideologies from an early age. She pursued her higher education at Delhi University, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Further strengthening her academic foundation, she went on to obtain advanced degrees in management and arts, equipping her with essential skills for her political journey, as per Jagran Josh.
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Rekha Gupta Political Journey
Rekha Gupta's political journey began during her college years when she actively participated in student politics. She was elected as the President of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) for the 1996-1997 term, focusing on student welfare and youth empowerment. This marked the beginning of her long-standing dedication to public service.
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Following her success in student politics, Rekha transitioned to municipal governance. In 2007, she was elected as a councillor from Uttari Pitampura (Ward 54) and was re-elected in 2012. Her tenure as a councillor allowed her to address local issues and implement community development initiatives.
Within the BJP, she has held several key positions, including serving as the General Secretary of the BJP Delhi state unit and currently being a member of the party’s National Executive. Additionally, she has been actively involved with the BJP Mahila Morcha, advocating for women's empowerment and social causes, according to Jagran Josh.
Rekha Gupta Net Worth
According to the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, Rekha Gupta reported an income of ₹6,92,050 for the financial year 2023-24, while her spouse's income stood at ₹97,33,570. The total net worth of Rekha Gupta and her family amounts to ₹5.3 crore (₹53,134,981), as per documents accessed by Live Mint.
After 27 years, the BJP reclaimed power in Delhi with a decisive two-thirds majority, securing 48 seats in the 70-member assembly. Meanwhile, the ruling AAP faced significant setbacks, witnessing a sharp decline in its numbers to 22 seats. The Congress, continuing its poor performance, failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive time.
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