In a landmark decision, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Rekha Gupta, the newly elected MLA from Shalimar Bagh, as the next Chief Minister of Delhi. The announcement, made on Wednesday, February 19, has set the stage for a grand oath-taking ceremony scheduled for Thursday. The event is expected to draw prominent dignitaries, celebrities, and party workers, marking a significant moment in Delhi’s political landscape.
A New Leadership Team
Alongside Rekha Gupta, the BJP has appointed Parvesh Verma, who defeated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, as the Deputy Chief Minister. Vijender Gupta has been named the Assembly Speaker. Rekha Gupta’s appointment is particularly historic, as she becomes the first woman to hold the position of Chief Minister in Delhi since the BJP’s rise to national power in 2014. She is also the fourth woman to lead Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj (BJP), Sheila Dikshit (INC), and Atishi (AAP).
Rekha Gupta’s Political Journey
Rekha Gupta victory in the Shalimar Bagh (North-West) constituency during the 2025 Delhi Assembly Election was a decisive one. She secured 68,200 votes, defeating AAP’s Bandana Kumari by a margin of 29,595 votes. A seasoned BJP leader, Gupta has a rich political background. She has served as the general secretary and president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and is a member of the party’s national executive. Additionally, she has two successful terms as a councillor under her belt, representing Uttari Pitampura in 2007 and North Pitampura in 2012.
BJP’s Resurgence in Delhi
The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years marks a dramatic political shift. In the recent Assembly elections, the party won 48 out of 70 seats, a significant improvement from its performance in the previous two elections, where it managed to secure only 11 seats each time. On the other hand, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had been vying for a third consecutive term, was limited to just 22 seats this time.
The Selection Process
The process of selecting the new Chief Minister began on February 8, following the BJP’s resounding victory. The party’s Parliamentary Board, its highest decision-making body, appointed former Cabinet Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar as observers for the meeting of newly elected MLAs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose international visits had delayed the selection process, chaired the meeting. Later in the evening, BJP MLAs convened to choose their leader in the Delhi Assembly.
A Grand Oath-Taking Ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony promises to be a grand affair, with high-profile attendees including Union Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Chief ministers and deputy chief ministers from BJP-ruled states have also been invited, though some may be unable to attend due to ongoing budget sessions in their respective states. Around 40 celebrities, along with Delhi’s Chief Secretary and the Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, are expected to grace the occasion. Outgoing Chief Minister Atishi and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will also be invited, adhering to tradition.
A Celebration of BJP’s Comeback
According to BJP MP Yogender Chandolia, approximately 50,000 people, including party supporters and Delhi residents, are expected to attend the event. Party leaders anticipate that the number could swell to 100,000, reflecting the widespread enthusiasm surrounding the BJP’s return to power in the national capital. This momentous occasion not only marks a new chapter in Delhi’s governance but also underscores the BJP’s resurgence as a dominant political force in the region.
Conclusion
Rekha Gupta’s appointment as Delhi’s Chief Minister is a historic milestone, symbolizing both the BJP’s renewed strength and the growing role of women in Indian politics. As she prepares to take the oath of office, all eyes are on Delhi, awaiting the dawn of a new era under her leadership. The grand ceremony and the overwhelming public response highlight the significance of this political transformation, setting the stage for a dynamic and impactful tenure.
