The suspense over Delhi's next Chief Minister ended on Wednesday night as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declared Rekha Gupta as its choice for the top post. Gupta is set to become the fourth woman to lead the national capital and will take the oath of office on Thursday at the iconic Ramlila Maidan.

Rekha Gupta emerged victorious from the Shalimar Bagh constituency, where she defeated Aam Aadmi Party's Bandana Kumari and Congress candidate Parveen Kumar Jain. She secured her seat with a significant margin of 29,595 votes.

Upon being named Chief Minister, Gupta expressed her gratitude to the BJP leadership for placing their trust in her. She pledged to serve the people of Delhi with honesty, commitment, and a focus on development. Taking to social media platform X, she wrote, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the party leadership for their faith in me. This responsibility inspires me to work diligently towards the progress and empowerment of every citizen in Delhi. I am committed to taking the city to new heights.”

Gupta, a first-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), is not new to politics. Her journey began in student politics at Delhi University, followed by three terms as a municipal councillor. She also previously served as the Mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), giving her considerable experience in governance.

The BJP’s decision to appoint Gupta came after its resounding victory in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 8. Speculation had been rife that the party would opt for a woman legislator to fill the role, with Gupta among the frontrunners.

Party insiders also indicated that representation from the influential Baniya community was a factor in the selection process, given the community's considerable voter base in Delhi. Prior to the announcement, the names of Vijender Gupta, Jitender Mahajan, and Rekha Gupta were discussed as top contenders for the Chief Minister's post.

With her appointment, Rekha Gupta becomes the only woman serving as a Chief Minister among the BJP-led states. Her elevation underscores the party’s emphasis on women voters during the campaign, with key promises like a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women, Rs 21,000 maternity support for pregnant women, and pensions for senior citizens. These initiatives aimed to outshine the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) pledge of a Rs 2,100 monthly allowance for women.

Gupta will join the ranks of Delhi's past women Chief Ministers, including Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi. Her leadership is expected to play a critical role in shaping the BJP's governance in Delhi, following its return to power after a 27-year gap.