Rekha Gupta is making history as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, and the fourth woman to hold this position. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chose Gupta, a first-time MLA, over party veterans like Parvesh Verma, who was seen as the frontrunner for the post.
Rekha Gupta’s selection as the chief ministerial candidate for Delhi came as a surprise to many, especially since she was chosen over party veterans like Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, and Vijender Gupta.
So, who is Rekha Gupta and why did the BJP choose her?
Rekha Gupta is a hardcore Delhite who is a commerce graduate from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University in 1995, According to her election affidavit. In 2022, she completed LLB from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut.
Rekha is married to Manish Gupta who is an Insurance agent and a Spare Parts Merchandiser
For Rekha hey extensive experience in student politics, as a councillor, and her work with the BJP Mahila Morcha played a significant role in her selection. Her background in student politics, particularly her win in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, is seen as a launching pad for national-level politics.¹ Additionally, the BJP’s emphasis on increasing women’s participation in leadership roles might have also contributed to Gupta’s selection. By choosing her as the chief minister of Delhi, the party aims to reinforce its image among female voters.
On the other hand for the firebrand leader Parvesh Verma it’s his political lineage might have also played a role in the BJP’s decision as the party is known for its professional and pragmatic approach while operating ministries in any state .
Parvesh is the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma and his selection could have led to accusations of dynastic politics, which the BJP often criticizes in opposition parties.
Gupta’s selection is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to emphasize women’s participation in leadership roles. Her extensive experience in student politics, as a councillor, and as the national vice-president of the BJP Mahila Morcha, made her an attractive candidate. Some of the key factors that contributed to Gupta’s selection include: – *Low Profile*: Gupta is known for keeping a low profile and hasn’t been involved in any controversies, unlike some other party leaders. – *Women’s Empowerment*: The BJP’s emphasis on increasing women’s participation in leadership roles made Gupta an ideal candidate. – *Clean Image*: Gupta’s clean image and lack of political baggage were seen as assets by the party. Gupta will take the oath of office at the Ramlila Ground on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attendance. The ceremony is expected to draw a large crowd, with at least 50,000 people anticipated to attend.
