In a decisive move following her swearing-in as Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta announced the portfolio allocations for her council of ministers late Thursday evening, signaling her administration’s priorities. The first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, who took oath on February 20, 2025, at a grand ceremony in Ramlila Maidan attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has retained critical departments including Finance, Revenue, Services, Vigilance, Women and Child Development, and General Administration, among others. This broad portfolio underscores her intent to maintain direct oversight over Delhi’s fiscal and administrative framework.
Addressing the press after her first cabinet meeting, Gupta outlined the allocations for her six-member team. Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Verma, a prominent BJP leader and a strong contender for the top post, has been entrusted with Public Works Department (PWD), Water, Irrigation and Flood Control, Legislative Affairs, and Gurdwara Elections. Ashish Sood, another key figure, will oversee Home, Power, Urban Development, and Education, inheriting sectors previously championed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kapil Mishra, a controversial yet influential leader, takes charge of Law and Justice, Labour, and Tourism, marking his return to significant administrative roles.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa has been assigned Industries, Forest and Environment, and Food and Supplies, while Pankaj Kumar Singh will manage Health, Transport, and Information Technology. Ravinder Indraj Singh rounds out the cabinet with Social Welfare, SC & ST Welfare, Cooperatives, and Elections. The allocations reflect a strategic balance, blending experience with regional representation.
Gupta’s cabinet wasted no time, approving the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat scheme with a Rs 5 lakh top-up and the tabling of 14 pending CAG reports—moves seen as a direct rebuke to the previous AAP government. As Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister, Gupta pledged a “Viksit Delhi” with her portfolio choices hinting at a hands-on approach to governance. Political analysts note this could set the tone for a transformative yet contentious term.