Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta marks the Bhartiya Janata Party’s return to the capital after 27 years. With big promises made nearly six months ago, she shared her plans at “Express Adda”. The highlight of the former government’s campaign was free electricity. Breaking it down, Rekha Gupta said that the scheme divided the residents into two sections, taxpayers and traders. “Traders who pay taxes today find it difficult to survive in Delhi, and they are moving out of the city,” she commented on the consequence of the same.
She emphasised that free electricity wasn’t the only parameter for development; her administration aimed, health, water, and infrastructure are essential too.
“Won’t rest until every household has access to water”: Rekha Gupta
She asserted that her administration won’t rest until every household has access to water. Criticising the Aam Aadmi Party, Gupta remarked that they protested both while in power and now as the Opposition. Reflecting on the BJP’s recent electoral victory, she credited the public’s support for a “double-engine government” as key to the party’s success.
Delhi slum demolition
Addressing the issue of slum demolitions, Gupta stated that rejecting a Rs 35 lakh flat in a well-located area was unacceptable. With Delhi housing over 675 slum clusters, she noted that neither the Congress nor the AAP governments provided adequate housing for slum dwellers.
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Citing court orders to clear settlements near railway lines and drains to prevent flooding, she claimed the BJP not only undertook demolitions but also ensured alternative housing, something previous administrations failed to do. Commenting on the statehood status of Delhi, the CM shared that she wants “development for Delhi instead of full statehood”.
Rekha Gupta on Tharoor, Dosanjh and Kamra
In a moment of candour, the Delhi CM shared her thoughts on the newly elected New York mayor Zoran Mamdani, Shashi Tharoor and Kunal Kamra. While she had no comment for Mamdani, she weighed in on the Diljit Dosanjh controversy. She wished to make an informed opinion after she watched the film. Lauding Tharoor, she said that “he had done a good job in life and for the nation. For comic Kamra, she cautioned him to do “comedy show in Delhi” at his “own risk”.
Since the BJP’s return to power after 27 years, Gupta has led the government with a firm focus on urban reforms. Her administration, backed by 48 MLAs, has announced major initiatives including cleaning the Yamuna, repairing roads, and regulating private school fees. With stronger coordination between the Centre, UT administration, and municipal bodies, she now faces the challenge of aligning governance with public expectations, including fulfilling promises like a Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women.