BharatTimes
Rekha Gupta Oath: Meet the 6 Delhi Cabinet Ministers Set to Be Sworn in Today
BJP-led Delhi Government Takes Shape; High-Profile Oath-Taking Ceremony at Ramlila Maidan
New Delhi, February 20, 2025: The stage is set for a new political era in Delhi as first-time MLA Rekha Gupta takes oath as the city’s ninth Chief Minister today at Ramlila Maidan. The swearing-in ceremony, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and other top leaders, will also witness the induction of six newly appointed cabinet ministers who will play a crucial role in shaping Delhi’s governance under BJP rule.
The six ministers set to be sworn in alongside CM Rekha Gupta are Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, Kapil Mishra, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ashish Sood, Pankaj Kumar Singh, and Ravinder Indraj Singh.
With BJP securing 48 out of 70 seats, this marks the party’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years, replacing the long-standing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Who Are the Six Ministers Taking Oath?
1. Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma – The Giant Killer of Delhi Elections
A strong Jat leader in Delhi, Parvesh Verma grabbed headlines after defeating AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency by 4,089 votes. Given his Lok Sabha experience from 2014 to 2024 as the MP of West Delhi, Verma was considered a frontrunner for the CM post. His inclusion in the cabinet is seen as a move to strengthen BJP’s influence among Delhi’s Jat community.
2. Kapil Mishra – From AAP Rebel to BJP Leader
Kapil Mishra, a former Delhi Water Minister under the AAP government, switched to BJP after a fallout with Arvind Kejriwal. In this election, he won from Karawal Nagar, defeating AAP’s Manoj Kumar Tyagi by 23,355 votes. Mishra, known for his strong political stance and controversies, is expected to take on key governance responsibilities in the new BJP-led administration.
3. Manjinder Singh Sirsa – Sikh Leader Making a Comeback
Manjinder Singh Sirsa returns as an MLA after winning from Rajouri Garden, defeating AAP’s Dhanwati Chandela by over 18,000 votes. He had earlier represented the constituency in 2017 but lost in 2020. Sirsa’s induction aims to strengthen BJP’s support among the Sikh and Punjabi communities in the capital.
4. Ashish Sood – The Organisational Strategist
Ashish Sood, a key Delhi BJP strategist, secured a decisive victory over AAP’s Parveen Kumar in Janakpuri by 18,766 votes. His extensive experience in party affairs, including his role as BJP’s co-incharge in Jammu and Kashmir, has earned him a position in the Delhi cabinet.
5. Pankaj Kumar Singh – The MCD Veteran
Pankaj Kumar Singh, the son of former MCD leader Raja Mohan Singh, has played an important role in Delhi’s civic administration. A dentist by profession, Singh was elected from Vikaspuri, defeating AAP’s Mahinder Yadav by nearly 13,000 votes. His expertise in municipal governance and urban planning makes him a key player in the new government.
6. Ravinder Indraj Singh – A Strong Dalit Representative
Ravinder Indraj Singh, a prominent Dalit leader in Delhi BJP, won the Bawana assembly seat, defeating AAP’s Jai Bhagwan Upkar by more than 31,000 votes. As a long-time member of BJP’s SC Morcha, Singh is expected to focus on social welfare, Dalit empowerment, and housing policies.
Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi today in a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan, marking a significant political shift in the capital. The event saw the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and several NDA Chief Ministers. The gathering was massive, with thousands of supporters, residents, and party workers cheering as Gupta took her oath.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted under heavy security, with more than 25,000 police personnel and paramilitary forces stationed across the venue. The BJP’s victory in Delhi after 27 years has been a moment of celebration for the party, and the event was planned on a grand scale to mark the occasion.
Gupta, a first-time MLA, was chosen by the BJP leadership to lead the government after the party won 48 out of 70 seats in the assembly elections. A grassroots leader with a strong RSS-ABVP background, she has been active in Delhi politics for years and is expected to bring a new approach to governance in the city.
Alongside her, six ministers were also sworn into the Delhi cabinet. Parvesh Verma, Kapil Mishra, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ashish Sood, Pankaj Kumar Singh, and Ravinder Indraj Singh took their oaths as cabinet ministers. These leaders come from diverse political backgrounds and represent different communities and constituencies across Delhi.
Parvesh Verma, a strong Jat leader, gained attention after his unexpected victory over Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. Kapil Mishra, once a minister in the AAP government, made his way back into power after switching to the BJP. Manjinder Singh Sirsa’s return to the Delhi assembly strengthens the party’s Sikh representation in the government. Ashish Sood, a long-time BJP strategist, brings experience in party organization, while Pankaj Kumar Singh and Ravinder Indraj Singh, both relatively new faces in state politics, add fresh energy to the cabinet.
The day was filled with celebrations as BJP workers and supporters across the city held victory rallies. Many prominent figures, including former Delhi CM Atishi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, were invited to the event, though their attendance remained uncertain. Invitations were also extended to residents of JJ clusters, gig workers, taxi, and autorickshaw drivers, reflecting the BJP’s focus on reaching out to various sections of society.
With the new government now in place, the focus shifts to how Rekha Gupta and her cabinet will address some of Delhi’s most pressing issues, including pollution, traffic congestion, water supply, and women’s safety. While her tenure begins with celebrations and high expectations, the real challenge lies ahead in delivering on the promises made during the election campaign.
