Wed Feb 19 16:17:08 UTC 2025: ## BJP’s Rekha Gupta to Become Delhi’s Next Chief Minister
**New Delhi** – In a significant political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has selected Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, as the next Chief Minister of Delhi. This marks the second time a woman will lead the Delhi government, following Sushma Swaraj’s brief tenure in 1998. The announcement was made via the Delhi BJP’s X account this evening, following a meeting of the party’s legislature party.
Gupta’s victory comes after the BJP ended the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) ten-year rule in the recently concluded assembly elections. She succeeds AAP’s Atishi and will be sworn in tomorrow at a large ceremony planned for Ramlila Maidan. A six-member council of ministers, representing various communities that supported the BJP, will also be appointed.
The selection of Gupta, over other contenders like Parvesh Verma, is seen as a strategic move by the BJP. Choosing a first-time MLA aims to minimize internal factionalism and avoid accusations of dynastic politics, given Verma’s family background in Delhi politics. Her selection has been widely praised, with congratulatory messages pouring in from across the political spectrum, including a warm message from outgoing Chief Minister Atishi, who offered her assistance.
Gupta, a veteran of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and BJP Mahila Morcha, brings a substantial political background to the role, including experience as a Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) leader, councillor, and Mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence in Gupta’s ability to lead Delhi and fulfill the BJP’s vision for the city. Gupta herself expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to work tirelessly for the betterment of Delhi.
First Piper 