Rekha Gupta of India’s ruling BJP sworn in as Chief Minister of Delhi

Rekha Gupta of India’s ruling BJP sworn in as Chief Minister of Delhi

Delhi, February 20 – Rekha Gupta, a member of India’s ruling Hindu-nationalist party, the BJP, has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi. This victory marks a historic milestone for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, as it takes control of the capital city for the first time in 27 years, which had previously been under opposition rule.

51-year-old Rekha Gupta took the oath as Chief Minister of Delhi on Thursday. While taking the oath, she stated, "I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of this office."

Gupta, who is educated in law and began her career in student politics, was selected for this position by party members. With her swearing-in, she became the fourth woman to hold the position of Chief Minister of Delhi.

This month, the BJP won the majority of seats in the Delhi Assembly elections, claiming victory after 27 years. The BJP won 48 out of the 70 seats, defeating Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which secured 22 seats.

This is not only a political victory for the BJP but also a historically and strategically important step for the party. Kejriwal had been in power in Delhi for most of the past decade and was a prominent critic of Modi.

Kejriwal had spent some time in jail due to accusations of corruption, with claims that his party had taken bribes in exchange for liquor licenses. He has denied these accusations and described them as a political witch-hunt by Modi's government.

Gupta now faces numerous challenges, including poverty and pollution.

She began her career as a student leader at Delhi University in 1992. She is well-known for her initiatives focused on women's and children's welfare, as well as her support for underprivileged female students.

After her selection as Chief Minister, Gupta posted on social media, promising to work with "honesty, integrity, and dedication" for the welfare, empowerment, and overall development of every citizen of Delhi.

Before the February 5 elections, her party had promised to reform government schools, provide free healthcare, free electricity, and a monthly stipend of 2,500 rupees (about 29 USD) to poor women in Delhi.

Delhi’s air pollution, which envelops the city in hazardous smog during the winter, also remains a significant challenge.

New Delhi consistently ranks as one of the most polluted cities in the world, with smog levels often reaching up to 60 times the daily maximum recommended by the World Health Organization. However, none of the major political parties gave this crisis special attention in their campaigns.