Here’s a concise and structured explanation of why BJP chose Rekha Gupta over Parvesh Verma as Delhi CM:
Why BJP Picked Rekha Gupta Over Parvesh Verma as Delhi CM
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surprised many by selecting Rekha Gupta, the Shalimar Bagh MLA, as Delhi’s new Chief Minister, overlooking senior leaders like Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, and Ashish Sood. Here’s why BJP made this strategic choice:
1. Strengthening Women Voter Support
- BJP has been focusing on women-centric policies to consolidate their support base.
- Gupta’s appointment helps break the perception that BJP does not promote women to top positions.
- This move aligns with BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’, which promised ₹2,500 monthly aid to women.
- She is now the only woman BJP CM and the second female CM in India, after Mamata Banerjee.
2. Appealing to the Trader Community (Baniya Vote Bank)
- Gupta belongs to the Baniya community, a traditional BJP stronghold in Delhi.
- Traders have been loyal BJP supporters since the Vajpayee-Advani era.
- Her elevation reinforces BJP’s commitment to its core voter base in Delhi.
3. Rewarding Grassroots Leadership
- Gupta has risen through the ranks, from student politics (ABVP) to municipal governance and now CM.
- PM Narendra Modi praised her journey, emphasizing BJP’s focus on homegrown leaders rather than parachuting candidates from outside.
- This decision strengthens the message that dedicated party workers can reach top positions.
4. Balancing BJP’s Political Equation in Delhi
- Despite Parvesh Verma’s victory over Arvind Kejriwal, BJP may have wanted to avoid concentrating too much power in one leader.
- Gupta, seen as a team player, ensures a more balanced leadership approach.
Conclusion
By picking Rekha Gupta as Delhi CM, BJP aims to empower women voters, consolidate the trader community, and promote grassroots leadership, while also maintaining internal party balance. Her appointment is a strategic political move ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly governance.
