The Rise of Rekha Gupta: From Student Activist to Chief Minister

New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) In a remarkable turn of events, Rekha Gupta, a first-time BJP MLA, has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Delhi following the party's success in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.

Gupta was designated as the leader of the BJP legislature party after extensive discussions, concluding with the final meeting at the BJP headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday. She is set to be inaugurated as the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi on Thursday during a lavish ceremony at Ramlila Maidan.

Her selection for this prestigious position came after a key legislative party meeting among BJP leaders on Wednesday evening. Two observers from the BJP, along with 48 MLAs, engaged in discussions at the party office in Delhi, after which Gupta’s name was put forward for the CM role.

Gupta's appointment is significant as she becomes the fourth woman to assume this esteemed office in the capital, following notable leaders like former CM Sheila Dikshit. Her victory in the 2025 Assembly elections is particularly impressive, as she won the Shalimar Bagh seat by an impressive margin of 29,595 votes, defeating AAP candidate Bandana Kumari.

Born on July 19, 1974, in Nandgarh village of Jind district, Haryana, Gupta’s father worked as a bank officer. The family relocated to Delhi in 1976 when Gupta was only two years old. She completed her education in the capital, where her strong academic foundation prepared her for a future in politics.

Gupta’s political journey began during her university years. While studying at Delhi University, she became involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student faction of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Her active participation in student politics led to her election as the President of Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) for the 1996-1997 term. She also served as the Secretary of Dyal Singh College and was highly active in student activism, which further propelled her into public life.

Gupta’s affiliation with the BJP began in the early 2000s when she joined the party’s youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), where she served as secretary for the Delhi unit. Her leadership attributes were swiftly acknowledged, leading to her appointment as the National Secretary of BJYM from 2004 to 2006. Her strong organizational skills and dedication to the party's goals enabled her to rise within the BJP ranks.

In 2007, Gupta became a councillor in the MCD elections, representing the North Pitampura constituency. She subsequently served as the President of the Women’s Welfare and Child Development Committee in MCD from 2007 to 2009. Gupta held several other prominent positions, including General Secretary of the Delhi BJP Women’s Wing and National Executive Member of the party.

Despite her extensive political experience, Gupta faced significant challenges in her electoral endeavors. She contested the Shalimar Bagh seat in the 2015 and 2020 Delhi Assembly elections but was defeated by AAP’s Bandana Kumari both times. Nonetheless, her persistence and unwavering dedication to her constituents paid off in 2025 when she achieved a decisive victory in reclaiming the Shalimar Bagh seat.