BJP Returns to Power in Delhi: Rekha Gupta Sworn in as Chief Minister, Six Ministers Take Oath

New Delhi: Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Delhi on Thursday, marking the return of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in the national capital after 26 years. The oath of office was administered by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at a grand swearing-in ceremony held at Ramlila Maidan. Alongside Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, six newly elected MLAs—Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Pankaj Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra, and Ravinder Inderaj—were also sworn in as ministers in her cabinet.

This occasion is historic as Rekha Gupta becomes the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj (BJP), Sheila Dikshit (Congress), and Atishi (AAP). The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior BJP leaders, and key members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Gupta’s appointment also makes her the only female Chief Minister currently serving in a BJP-ruled state.

BJP’s Historic Win and Rekha Gupta’s Rise

The BJP secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections held on February 5, winning 48 out of 70 seats, thereby ending the decade-long rule of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal. The BJP was last in power in Delhi from 1993 to 1998.

Rekha Gupta, who has strong ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has had an illustrious political career. A former president of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) and a municipal body member, she has been actively involved in Delhi’s political landscape. She won the Shalimar Bagh Assembly seat by defeating AAP candidate Bandana Kumari with a margin of over 29,000 votes. Her selection as the BJP Legislature Party leader was finalized in a meeting on Wednesday, following which she took the oath as Chief Minister.

Party sources have confirmed that BJP MLA Vijender Gupta from the Rohini Assembly constituency has been appointed as the new Speaker of the Delhi Assembly. The first meeting of the newly formed Council of Ministers, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is expected to take place at the Delhi Secretariat later today at 3 PM.

Challenges Ahead for the BJP Government

As the BJP returns to power in Delhi, the new administration faces significant challenges. Managing the financial health of the national capital, addressing pollution and infrastructure issues, ensuring the cleaning of the Yamuna River, and continuing essential welfare schemes are among the government’s top priorities. Additionally, with AAP now in opposition, the BJP will need to navigate strong political resistance while fulfilling its electoral promises.

One of the major promises made in the BJP’s election manifesto is the implementation of the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, under which eligible women in Delhi will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹2,500. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance and empowerment to women. While the AAP had promised ₹2,100 under a similar scheme, the BJP has increased the amount as part of its commitment to women’s welfare.

A New Era for Delhi Under Rekha Gupta’s Leadership

As a first-time MLA, Rekha Gupta’s rapid ascent to the position of Chief Minister marks a significant political shift in Delhi. Her leadership will be crucial in shaping the city’s future, especially as the BJP seeks to solidify its governance after a long absence from power. She is the fourth BJP leader to hold the office of Chief Minister in Delhi, following Madan Lal Khurana, Sahib Singh Verma, and Sushma Swaraj.

The newly formed government is expected to focus on development-oriented governance, including improving infrastructure, tackling pollution, and enhancing public services. With the BJP securing a strong mandate, all eyes will be on how Rekha Gupta’s administration addresses the pressing issues facing the capital.

As the BJP embarks on this new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape, the coming months will determine the effectiveness of its policies and governance under Rekha Gupta’s leadership.