Rekha Gupta: From Student Leader To Delhi’s Fourth Woman Chief Minister

Rekha Gupta’s political journey began in the early 1990s as a student leader at Delhi University. Decades later, she has taken charge as the Chief Minister of Delhi, becoming the fourth woman to hold the post.

The 50-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly Election 2025, winning the Shalimar Bagh (North-West) seat with 68,200 votes. She defeated Aam Aadmi Party’s Bandana Kumari by 29,595 votes.

Gupta’s rise in politics has been shaped by years in student politics, municipal governance, and party leadership. She started as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad while studying at Daulat Ram College. In 1996-97, she was elected President of the Delhi University Students’ Union, establishing her as a prominent youth leader.

After Gupta's name was announced as the next Delhi chief minister, her long time rival, Alka Lamba of Congress posted a throwback photo from 30 years ago.

Her transition to mainstream politics came in 2007 when she won the MCD Councillor elections from Uttari Pitampura (Ward 54). She retained her seat in 2012 and later served as the Mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, gaining administrative experience.

Gupta has held key roles within the BJP, serving as the General Secretary of Delhi BJP and previously as the National Vice President of the party’s Mahila Morcha. She is also a lawyer by profession, bringing a legal perspective to her political career.

She has declared assets worth Rs 5.3 crore, with liabilities of Rs 1.2 crore. Her political career has focused on governance, women’s rights, education, and public welfare.

As one of the four women MLAs elected from the BJP in 2025, Gupta now leads Delhi at a crucial time, marking a new phase in her political career.

The swearing-in ceremony of the chief minister and the new cabinet of Delhi will be held at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. The L-G will administer the oath of office to the CM-designate and the cabinet at 12.35 p.m.