BJP’s Rekha Gupta Takes Oath as Delhi Chief Minister

Dehli-Rekha Gupta, a 50-year-old member of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was sworn in as the chief minister of Delhi on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the party. This development comes after the BJP’s landslide victory in the recent elections, which handed the party control of the capital for the first time in decades .

Gupta, who is the fourth woman to serve as chief minister of Delhi, will lead the sprawling megacity of over 30 million people. Her appointment is seen as a significant move by the BJP to emphasize women’s empowerment. As the only woman chief minister in any BJP-ruled state, Gupta’s elevation is expected to help the party strengthen its credentials among women ².

During her swearing-in ceremony, Gupta expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party leadership for trusting her with the responsibility. She vowed to prioritize accountability and transparency in governance, stating that the previous government will have to account for every rupee belonging to the people.

Gupta’s tenure is expected to mark a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape, with a focus on governance, transparency, and development. Her campaign slogan, “Kaam hi Pehchaan” (my work is my identity), reflects her commitment to prioritizing work and accountability.

The BJP is in government nationally but has not controlled the local legislature in Delhi since 1998, so its sweeping victory taking more than two-thirds of seats in the February 5 polls was both symbolic and strategically important.

Gupta, who has a law degree and began her career in student politics in the city, was selected for the post by party members late Wednesday.

“I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office,” Gupta said while taking the oath of office in front of a crowd of cheering supporters.

Modi, who was present at the ceremony, said in a post on X that Gupta had “risen from the grassroots” to become the chief minister.

“I am confident she will work for Delhi’s development with full vigour,” he added.

The elections ousted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), whose leader Arvind Kejriwal had governed Delhi for much of the past decade and was a prominent critic of Modi.

Kejriwal rode to power as an anti-corruption crusader but spent several months behind bars last year over accusations his party took kickbacks in exchange for liquor licences.

He has denied wrongdoing and characterised the charges as a political witch hunt by Modi’s government.

The win is a boost for the BJP and 74-year-old Modi, who won a third term in office after elections last year but with a reduced vote that forced him to rely on coalition partners to govern.

Gupta faces major challenges including Delhi’s monumental air pollution crisis, which smothers the city in hazardous fumes for months during the winter.

New Delhi is regularly ranked the worst capital in the world for choking smog, which often surges as much as 60 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily maximum.

Years of piecemeal government initiatives have failed to measurably address the problem, with the smog blamed for thousands of premature deaths annually and particularly affecting the health of children and the elderly.

None of the key parties made tackling the health crisis a focal point of their campaigns.