Rekha Gupta: RSS-backed OBC ‘nari shakti’ to counter Kejriwal and Atishi

In a transfer that has sprung a shock in Delhi’s political circles, the BJP has appointed Rekha Gupta, the Shalimar Backyard MLA, as the brand new chief minister of Delhi.

Nonetheless, regardless of being comparatively unknown and missing a powerful mass base, Gupta’s caste, her shut ties with the RSS management and dedication to Hindutva ideology have labored in her favour, securing her the highest submit within the capital’s politics.

Political journey and RSS connections

Rekha Gupta began her political profession with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the scholar wing of the RSS, throughout her time at Delhi College — a identified breeding floor of BJP leaders in Delhi politics.

Over time, she has cultivated robust relationships throughout the Sangh Parivar, which performed a vital position in her choice.

Congratulating Gupta, her up to date and head of the All India Mahila Congress Alka Lamba shared {a photograph} on X by which each share the body of their youth.

OBC / Baniya illustration to point out up former CM Kejriwal?

Gupta belongs to the OBC Baniya neighborhood, an element that has additionally contributed to her choice. Political observers recommend that her appointment is a strategic transfer to counter Arvind Kejriwal, who enjoys appreciable help from the dealer neighborhood in Delhi.

Moreover, in choosing her, the saffron occasion has despatched a broader electoral message to OBC and girls voters throughout different BJP-ruled states.

Ladies-centric politics in BJP

The BJP has more and more prioritised ladies’s illustration, and Gupta’s choice because the chief minister of Delhi alerts a calculated political transfer.

With ladies voters taking part in a vital position in elections, the BJP goals to consolidate this help base not simply in Delhi however throughout different states as nicely.

Whereas her political journey on the helm is simply starting, Rekha Gupta’s tenure as Delhi chief minister will likely be intently watched — in any case, she instructions the highlight, being within the NCR — each for her governance model and her capability to navigate Delhi’s political panorama beneath the shadow of the Modi–Shah management.

 A ‘pliable’ alternative for Modi–Shah?

Gupta’s appointment aligns with a current sample seen in BJP’s management selections.

The Modi-Shah duo has constantly picked much less outstanding or politically weaker leaders in key states to forestall any future challenges to their authority — examples being Mohan Yadav in Madhya Pradesh and Bhajan Lal Sharma in Rajasthan.

Analysts imagine Gupta’s lack of an impartial political base amongst Delhi voters is what makes her an asset to the union residence minister and prime minister, guaranteeing that she stays loyal and aligned to the central management’s directives. Particularly given their arms is likely to be full with different challengers close by…