Thu Feb 20 18:52:14 UTC 2025: ## BJP’s Rekha Gupta: From Student Activist to Delhi’s Chief Minister

**NEW DELHI, Feb 20, 2025** – In a stunning political upset, Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA, has been appointed Chief Minister of Delhi, marking the BJP’s return to power after a 26-year hiatus. Gupta, 50, whose career began in student politics with the ABVP, rose through the BJP ranks, serving in various party positions before her recent electoral victory in the Shalimar Bagh constituency.

Her appointment, announced today, follows a BJP landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections. While initially a lighthearted suggestion at a post-election celebration, her elevation to Chief Minister is seen by many as a strategic move by the BJP. Party insiders cite her gender – aiming to engage female voters crucial to the election results – and her belonging to the Vaishya community, a traditionally BJP-supporting trader caste, as key factors in the decision. The BJP’s election promise of a monthly cash transfer to women further strengthens this interpretation.

Gupta’s political journey spans decades. After joining the ABVP in 1993, she served as General Secretary and President of the Delhi University Students’ Union. She formally joined the BJP in 2000, navigating the party’s period out of power in Delhi. She built her political experience through local politics, serving on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), where she was even a mayoral candidate in 2022. Despite previously losing Assembly elections in 2015 and 2020, her recent victory solidified her position within the party.

While her dedication and accessibility to party workers are widely praised, Gupta’s tenure isn’t without controversy. Past instances of using unparliamentary language and a video of a clash in the MCD House showing her damaging property have drawn criticism. Congress leader Alka Lamba highlighted these points, questioning her suitability for the top post.

Gupta now faces the significant challenge of governing Delhi. Unlike previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) CMs, she cannot blame the Centre or the Lieutenant Governor for governance failures; all eyes will be on her performance in leading the national capital.

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