Watch: Crowds gather to greet Delhi's new CM at her residence

Rekha Gupta, the debutante MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has etched her name in history by becoming Delhi's Chief Minister. At 50, she is the fourth woman to assume this prestigious role in the capital, following in the footsteps of BJP's Sushma Swaraj, Congress's Sheila Dikshit, and AAP's Atishi. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Delhi's political landscape.

On Thursday, Gupta was sworn in as the 9th Chief Minister of Delhi at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan. The event celebrated her unexpected yet impressive rise to power. A large crowd gathered outside her Shalimar Bagh residence the following day to congratulate her, bringing garlands and flower bouquets to show their support. The outpouring of admiration from the people of Delhi clearly indicated the excitement surrounding her leadership.

Gupta's appointment surprised many, especially given the stiff competition for the top position. Among the other contenders were Parvesh Sahib Singh, who had notably defeated AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency; three-term MLA and former leader of the Opposition Vijender Gupta; and former Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay. Despite this high-profile competition, Rekha Gupta was ultimately chosen by her party to lead the capital.

A seasoned and respected politician, Gupta has had a significant presence in Delhi's political scene for years. She is a three-time Municipal Councillor, and her leadership extends beyond local governance to her active participation in student politics. Gupta's political journey began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) student wing, where she quickly gained leadership recognition. In 1996, she served as the Delhi University Students Association (DUSA) president, further cementing her standing as a leader in the city.

Gupta's ties to the RSS have greatly influenced her political ideology and approach. She is known for her commitment to public service and deep understanding of the city's challenges. As Delhi's new Chief Minister, she brings both experience and a fresh perspective to the table. Her leadership promises to strike a balance between continuity and change, addressing the city's many challenges while building on the work of those who came before her.

In becoming the fourth woman to lead Delhi, Rekha Gupta joins an elite group of leaders who have left their mark on the city's political history. With her surprising rise to power and a wealth of experience, Gupta's tenure as Chief Minister is poised to be an exciting and dynamic chapter in Delhi's future.