BJP names first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as Delhi Chief Minister, oath ceremony tomorrow

She is the fourth woman chief minister of Delhi and the second BJP woman CM after Sushma Swaraj.

Speaking to reporters after her name was announced, Rekha Gupta said: "I thank BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji and I am grateful for the blessings of all of you."

Rekha Gupta will take oath at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Thursday.

The mega event is set to be attended by all the BJP chief ministers, union ministers, industrialists, and film personalities, according to reports.

The decision was taken at a key BJP meeting in Delhi over the position being left vacant 11 days after the Bharatiya Janata Party won the election.

The selection process began at noon when the BJP's Parliamentary Board met to appoint ex-Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and the party's National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar as 'observers' for the gathering of newly-elected MLAs this evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led that meeting.

Even though New Delhi MLA Parvesh Kumar was a top contender for the post, Rekha Gupta was later chosen to head the BJP government in Delhi after the party bagged a massive victory in the national capital after 26 years.

In her first reaction following the announcement, ex-Delhi CM from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Atishi expressed happiness that women are getting representation in mainstream politics.

"I hope she will keep the promises made to the women of Delhi and make sure all schemes reach them on time," the AAP leader said.

Who Is Rekha Gupta?

Rekha Gupta is a senior BJP leader from Delhi, who is known for her extensive political career and student leadership.

The 50-year-old currently serves as the General Secretary of Delhi BJP and has previously been the National Vice President of BJP's Mahila Morcha.

Her political journey commenced with student politics when she served as President of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) from 1996 to 1997.

She later moved into mainstream politics, winning the Delhi Councillor elections from Uttari Pitampura (Ward 54) in 2007 and securing re-election in 2012.

She has also served as the Mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation and is a first-time MLA to get elected this time.

A lawyer by profession, Gupta won the Shalimar Bhag (North-West) constituency securing 68,200 votes.