New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) First-time MLA Rekha Gupta was named the next Chief Minister of Delhi on Wednesday ending almost two-week suspense over the new CM.
Gupta, 50, the MLA from Shalimar Bagh, was elected the leader of the BJP legislature party at a meeting this evening, under the supervision of two central observers – former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and BJP national Secretary Om Prakash Dhankhar.
As the meeting began to elect the BJP legislature party leader, there was intense speculation about a woman legislator taking over the mantle. And it was proved right with the election of Gupta, who will be the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi after Sushma Swaraj (BJP), Sheila Dikshit (Congress), and Atishi (AAP).
Rekha Gupta’s husband Manish Gupta and her supporters celebrated after she was named the next chief minister of Delhi.
Responding to the development, the new CM’s husband Manish Gupta said, “The party has given a very big responsibility. To fulfil this responsibility, a lot of strength and collective effort is needed. Today is a time to enjoy and work will begin from tomorrow.”
Even before the announcement of her name, celebrations had broken out at the house of Gupta, a former Delhi University Students Union President, municipal councillor and Mayor of the erstwhile SDMC.
The new Chief Minister will take oath at a grand swearing-in ceremony at the city’s iconic Ramlila Maidan at noon on Thursday. Rekha Gupta, the new CM will be administered the oath of office and secrecy by Lt Governor Saxena, amid the presence of top BJP brass and leaders of allied parties on the dais.
The oath ceremony will take place from 11 a.m. to 12.34 p.m., with the Chief Minister’s swearing-in set for 12.05 p.m. The event will be attended by several key political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, along with over 200 BJP MPs and MLAs, and invited religious leaders.
–IANS
uk
