Thu Feb 20 04:20:07 UTC 2025: ## BJP’s Rekha Gupta Sworn in as Delhi’s New Chief Minister
**New Delhi, February 20, 2025** – Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi’s new Chief Minister today in a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan, marking the BJP’s return to power in the national capital after nearly three decades. The ceremony also saw the induction of a seven-member cabinet, including controversial figures Parvesh Singh Verma and Kapil Mishra.
Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, becomes the BJP’s first Delhi Chief Minister and only the fourth woman to hold the post. Her appointment surprised many, as Parvesh Singh Verma was widely considered the frontrunner. Gupta herself stated that she learned of her selection only shortly before the legislators’ meeting. Verma, however, reportedly proposed her name for the position. The BJP’s decision is seen as a strategic move to appeal to women voters.
The new cabinet also includes Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ashish Sood, Pankaj Kumar Singh, and Ravinder Indraj Singh. Portfolios are yet to be assigned.
Kapil Mishra, known for his alleged role in delivering hate speeches during the 2020 Delhi riots, stated that the previous AAP government had “betrayed the people of Delhi” and faced punishment at the polls. He also promised an investigation into alleged AAP corruption. Meanwhile, Manjinder Singh Sirsa expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders for the opportunity to serve.
The BJP secured a resounding victory in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 8th, winning 48 out of 70 seats, decisively defeating the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which won only 22 seats. The swearing-in ceremony was a lavish affair, with invitations extended to a wide range of attendees, including Bollywood celebrities, industrialists, and ordinary citizens like auto-rickshaw drivers and farmers.
The BJP’s victory ended the AAP’s 12-year rule in Delhi, a period marked by significant changes in the political landscape of the city. The delay in announcing the new Chief Minister was partly attributed to Prime Minister Modi’s recent trip abroad.
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