In a historic political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reclaimed power in Delhi after 27 years, with Rekha Gupta sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister and the fourth woman to hold the position. This significant development marks the end of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long governance in the capital.
A Historic Victory
The BJP’s resurgence in Delhi is noteworthy, as it last held power in the capital between 1993 and 1998. In the recent elections, the party secured a decisive majority, winning 48 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. This victory not only underscores the BJP’s renewed influence in urban centers but also reflects a strategic campaign that resonated with a broad spectrum of Delhi’s electorate.
Rekha Gupta: A Profile
Born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Haryana, Rekha Gupta has been an active figure in Delhi’s political landscape. She began her political journey with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), serving as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union from 1996 to 1997. Her career includes roles as a three-time councillor and former mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation. In the 2025 assembly elections, Gupta was elected from the Shalimar Bagh constituency, defeating AAP’s Bandana Kumari by a margin of 29,595 votes.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Ramlila Maidan, a venue symbolic of political and cultural significance in Delhi. The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and allies from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In her inaugural address, Chief Minister Gupta expressed gratitude and outlined her commitment to addressing pressing issues such as pollution and infrastructure development in the capital.
Immediate Priorities and Policy Directions
Chief Minister Gupta has emphasized her administration’s alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Delhi. One of the immediate priorities is a comprehensive review of existing schemes from the previous government, aiming to retain effective programs and overhaul those that underperformed. A significant focus will be on revamping Delhi’s drainage system to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season, addressing a longstanding issue exacerbated by infrastructural neglect.
Here are PM Modi’s directives for the new Delhi government,
- Review All Previous Schemes: Conduct an immediate review of all schemes implemented during the Kejriwal government. Retain what worked and overhaul what didn’t.
- Eliminate Open Drains: Develop a comprehensive plan to ensure no open drains in Delhi, preventing waterlogging during rains.
- Fulfill Women’s Empowerment Promise: Implement the Rs 100 crore scheme for women in Delhi.
- Address Job Backlog: Prepare a list of all vacant posts in sectors like metro, education, and healthcare, and start recruitment immediately.
- Improve Cleanliness: Aggressively implement the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to tackle garbage and improve sanitation.
- Clean the Yamuna: Launch a mission to clean the Yamuna River, with visible changes expected within six months.
- Provide Tap Water to Every Household: Ensure piped water supply to all homes in Delhi, prioritizing areas without access.
- Revamp Healthcare: Replace Mohalla Clinics with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, integrating them with the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Upgrade Infrastructure: Focus on road construction, repair, and maintenance across all constituencies.
- Ensure Coordination with LG: Avoid conflicts with the Lieutenant Governor and work in harmony for effective governance.
- Investigate Past Scams: Form an SIT (Special Investigation Team) to probe previous scams and present CAG reports in the assembly.
- Prepare for Chhath Puja: Make arrangements for Chhath Puja celebrations along the Yamuna ghats, ensuring cleanliness and facilities.
- Deliver Visible Results in Two Years: Achieve tangible improvements in cleanliness, water quality, and infrastructure within the given timeline.
- Focus on Sewage Management: Address sewage overflow and improve drainage systems across the city.
- Align with Central Government: Work closely with the central government to ensure no shortage of funds for development projects.
The new government is also committed to fulfilling promises made during the campaign, including the allocation of Rs 100 crore to women’s initiatives in Delhi. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to address job vacancies across sectors such as transportation, education, and healthcare, with plans to expedite recruitment processes to fill these positions promptly.
Infrastructure and Public Services
Improving Delhi’s cleanliness and infrastructure stands as a cornerstone of the new administration’s agenda. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a flagship initiative of the central government, will be aggressively implemented to tackle waste management challenges, including the reduction of garbage accumulation and the cleaning of the Yamuna River. Road maintenance and development projects are slated to commence in all constituencies within the first month of governance.
Ensuring access to clean tap water for every household is another critical objective. The administration plans to replace existing Mohalla Clinics with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, aiming to enhance healthcare services and accessibility for Delhi’s residents.
Governance and Accountability
Prime Minister Modi has issued directives for the Delhi government to work in close coordination with the Lieutenant Governor to ensure cohesive governance. A team comprising bureaucrats, planners, and experts has been assembled to facilitate the effective implementation of policies. Furthermore, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to investigate alleged irregularities from the previous administration, with Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports scheduled for presentation in the assembly’s inaugural session.
A Two-Year Roadmap
The new government has set a two-year timeline to achieve visible improvements in key areas such as cleanliness, water quality, and infrastructure. Upcoming cultural events, including the Chhath Puja celebrations, are expected to reflect these positive changes, with enhanced arrangements planned along the Yamuna ghats.
In summary, the BJP’s return to power in Delhi under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta signifies a transformative phase in the capital’s governance. With a focus on infrastructure development, public service enhancement, and stringent accountability measures, the administration aims to fulfill its commitments and usher in a new era of progress for Delhi’s citizens.
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