Rekha Gupta has been appointed as Delhi’s Chief Minister by the BJP after a meeting with the newly elected party legislators. Entering as one of the 48 MLAs, she was unexpectedly proposed for the role by Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi. Gupta expressed surprise at her nomination, stating, “When I left home, I did not know that I would become the Chief Minister.” She emphasized her commitment to addressing corruption and vowed to work with integrity for the development of Delhi’s citizens. Gupta, along with her six-member cabinet, will be sworn in at a ceremony later today.
New Delhi:
Rekha Gupta, the BJP’s candidate for Delhi Chief Minister, departed her residence on Wednesday evening to participate in a gathering of the party’s newly elected legislators. She arrived at the meeting as one of the party’s 48 MLAs – they were there to elect a Chief Minister, select cabinet members, and appoint a Speaker.
Ms. Gupta exited the meeting with the prestigious position secured.
This morning, just hours before her oath ceremony, a thrilled Ms. Gupta shared with NDTV, “When I left home, I had no idea I would become the Chief Minister”.
Interestingly, Ms. Gupta revealed that ‘giant-killer’ Parvesh Verma – renowned for defeating Arvind Kejriwal to claim the New Delhi seat, and who was anticipated to be the top contender for the post – was the one who nominated her.
“The media was certainly discussing my candidacy (sources had informed NDTV that Ms. Gupta was a potential candidate)… but I only learned of my nomination when Parvesh Verma put my name forward,” she explained.
READ | Who Is The BJP’s Parvesh Verma, The ‘Giant-Killer’?
Ms. Gupta also briefly shared her vision for the national capital, emphasizing the need to combat corruption, a point the BJP has frequently accused the outgoing AAP government of allowing to flourish. “Every act of corruption from the previous administrations… every single penny will be accounted for.”
READ | “Committed To Taking Delhi To New Heights”: Rekha Gupta
Her remarks echoed sentiments made last night after the party officially announced her as Chief Minister. She vowed to serve with “full honesty, integrity, and dedication for the welfare, empowerment, and overall development of every citizen of Delhi”.
READ | “Will Stand Up To PM’s Expectations”: Delhi’s Chief Minister-Designate
Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA representing the Shalimar Bagh seat – previously held by AAP’s Bandana Kumari since 2013 – also committed to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expectations and expressed gratitude to the voters of Delhi, especially women, for selecting her to lead.
Ms. Gupta and her six-member council of ministers, which includes Mr. Verma, will take their oaths in a grand ceremony at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan shortly after noon today.
READ | Parvesh Verma, Kapil Mishra In Rekha Gupta’s 6-Member Council
In addition to the customary invites to film stars and business tycoons, the BJP has also extended invitations to the ‘aam aadmi‘, including auto rickshaw drivers – whose votes were previously thought to be the forte of the defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal – farmers, and women.
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