NEW DELHI, 19 February — The BJP has named Rekha Gupta, MLA from Shalimar Bagh, as Delhi’s chief minister, marking the party’s return to power in the capital after 26 years.
Gupta, who defeated AAP’s Bandna Kumari by over 29,000 votes in the February 5 assembly election, was elected as the Leader of the House during the BJP legislature party meeting on Wednesday.
She will be sworn in at Ramlila Ground on Thursday, along with her cabinet. Gupta becomes Delhi’s fourth woman chief minister, following Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi.
Earlier in the day, anticipation built at the BJP’s Delhi office as party workers gathered in celebration, chanting slogans and dancing to drumbeats.
Hours before the official announcement, supporters voiced their confidence in the party’s leadership.
“It doesn’t matter who takes the top post—every MLA will work to fulfill the prime minister’s promises,” said BJP worker Devender Kohli. Smita Mohan, another party supporter, said, “Having a woman as CM would be great, but we stand with any leader the party chooses.”
