Gupta, who began her political career in Delhi University’s student politics, has steadily risen through the party ranks.
By appointing first-time legislator Rekha Gupta as the Chief Minister of Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reinforced its commitment to 'Nari Shakti' (women empowerment). However, the real challenge now lies in governing the national capital efficiently. As the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi and currently the only female BJP CM in the country, Gupta’s appointment reflects both gender and community considerations in the party’s selection process.
Gupta, who began her political career in Delhi University’s student politics, has steadily risen through the party ranks. Now, as she steps into administrative responsibilities, she faces several critical challenges—from managing Delhi’s finances and fulfilling electoral promises to addressing civic issues and the Yamuna River’s pollution.
Her appointment came 11 days after the BJP’s landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, ending the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long rule. Other contenders for the post included Parvesh Verma, who defeated AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, along with Ashish Sood, Vijender Gupta, and Satish Upadhyay.
Major Challenges Ahead
During the election campaign, the BJP focused heavily on women voters, promising financial support, including ₹2,500 monthly aid for women, ₹21,000 for pregnant women, and pensions for senior citizens. Now, for Gupta—who ran on the slogan "Kaam hi Pehchaan" (My work is my identity)—implementing these pledges will be a true test of leadership.
There are high public expectations from the new government on multiple fronts, including:
- Improving roads and civic infrastructure
- Ensuring a reliable drinking water supply
- Constructing housing for the poor
- Regularizing unauthorized colonies
One of the top priorities is preparing the state budget, ensuring adequate funding for the women’s welfare schemes and Ayushman Bharat, a health insurance program that the AAP government had previously rejected.
Cleaning the Yamuna – A Key BJP Promise
Among the most ambitious projects is the clean-up of the Yamuna River, a critical issue raised during the campaign. The BJP has pledged to achieve what neither the Congress nor AAP could during their time in power.
Launched on February 16, 2025, the Yamuna restoration project aims to rehabilitate the heavily polluted river within three years. The initiative follows a four-pronged strategy, focusing on:
- Removing waste and debris
- Cleaning and treating drain water
- Upgrading and constructing sewage treatment plants (STPs)
- Strict pollution control measures
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritizing the project, the BJP’s success in Delhi hinges on its effective execution.
As Rekha Gupta takes charge, she faces both political and administrative hurdles, making the coming months crucial for her leadership and the BJP’s governance in the capital.
