Delhi’s new Chief Minister Rekha Gupta believes her husband played a big role in her rise. She says, "Behind every successful woman, there can be a man too." She became chief minister on February 20 after the BJP defeated the Aam Aadmi Party. The win ended Arvind Kejriwal’s 10-year rule in the state.

Family Time Took a Hit

Since taking office, Gupta admits she spends less time with her family. She said, “So, it is their time that has to be cut down.” Earlier, she talked to her daughter and son daily. Now, she speaks to them only once every 3–4 days. She also finds it hard to connect with her husband. “Earlier, I often used to talk to my husband for an hour, but now I have to think even before talking to him for ten minutes,” she said. She worries a phone call might interrupt. Gupta also misses her household chores. “Now, I am not able to do things like cooking for the family and fulfilling their demands that any housewife normally likes and does,” she shared.

Support from a Large Joint Family

Rekha Gupta said her big joint family gives her strong support. She added, “So, their (family) support and companionship is a big plus that makes you move ahead.” She lives with her businessman husband, his four brothers, and her mother-in-law. On her side, she has her mother, three sisters, and a brother. Her father died during the Covid pandemic.

Early Political Journey

Gupta began her political journey in 1995. She became the secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union. In 1996, she became the president, representing ABVP. ABVP is the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It holds a strong influence in Indian universities.

First-Time MLA, Experienced Leader

Gupta is a first-time MLA from the Shalimar Bagh constituency. However, she has held many senior roles. She served as a municipal corporator for years. She was also the national Vice President of BJP Mahila Morcha and general secretary of BJP’s Delhi unit.

Her Education and Background

Gupta was born in Julana, a town in Haryana. She completed her B.Com from Daulat Ram College under Delhi University. Later, she earned a law degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. She also worked as a lawyer. Now, she is the fourth woman to become Delhi’s chief minister—after Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi.