The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 28 May appointed new state presidents in Delhi and Haryana, with both incoming chiefs publicly thanking the party's central leadership for the opportunity. The Haryana appointment drew particular attention: Dr. Archana Gupta, a radiologist-turned-politician, becomes the state unit's new president — a choice the party framed as a demonstration of its commitment to women's empowerment.

Archana Gupta's Appointment in Haryana

Dr. Archana Gupta, who had been serving as General Secretary of the BJP's Haryana unit, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for what she described as 'promoting a woman' to the top state post.

'The way they have handed over the command of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Haryana organisation to a woman, shows how the BJP stands with women. I will work towards upholding the work done by the previous BJP chiefs in the state,' Gupta told reporters.

She also highlighted women's achievements in Haryana, particularly in sports, calling them an inspiration for women across the state.

Gupta's Remarks on the Women's Reservation Bill

Gupta used the occasion to take aim at the Congress, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), and other Opposition parties over the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which sought to implement one-third women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

'We had seen how the Congress, Trinamool Congress and other Opposition parties backstabbed the women of the country,' she said. She further claimed that voters had already delivered a verdict on TMC's record in West Bengal. 'The BJP is a party which is not only bringing women forward but also ensuring their rights,' she asserted.

Harsh Malhotra Takes Charge in Delhi

BJP MP Harsh Malhotra was named the new Delhi BJP chief, succeeding Virendra Sachdeva. Malhotra thanked the central leadership — including PM Modi and Home Minister Shah — as well as Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and outgoing chief Virendra Sachdeva for their support.

'I am very grateful to the party's top leadership for giving me such a big responsibility, and I will make every possible effort to fulfil it sincerely,' Malhotra said.

Context and Significance

The dual leadership change comes as the BJP consolidates its organisational structure ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. Notably, the appointment of a woman as Haryana BJP chief aligns with the party's broader messaging on gender inclusion, even as the women's reservation legislation remains a contested political flashpoint. This is the first time a woman has been appointed to lead the BJP's Haryana unit, according to reports, adding symbolic weight to the reshuffle.

With both new chiefs having pledged continuity and hard work, attention will now shift to how Gupta and Malhotra shape their respective state units in the months ahead.