First-time member of the legislative assembly (MLA) Rekha Gupta takes oath as the chief minister of Delhi today. With a 30-year political career, the Shalimar Bagh MLA is a grassroots leader who joined the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1992.
As the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government assumes charge, Gupta and her cabinet have several challenges ahead in the national capital. Some of the major challenges are as follows -
1. Electoral Promise
BJP made a comeback nearly after three decades in the national capital. It announced several big-ticket electoral promises to Delhi’s voters, particularly to women. Its biggest promise was to disburse Rs 2,500 to eligible women beneficiaries by March 8. Forming a proper mechanism to streamline this process would be a greater problem for this new government.
In addition, the BJP also promised Rs 21,000 as aid to pregnant women.
2. Financial Burden
During the Aam Aadmi Party government's last two years, the finance department raised several concerns regarding the union territory's financial health. It has also red-flagged government spending on subsidies.
BJP also promised to continue the subsidies provided by the AAP including free power, water, and bus rides for women, adding several of its own.
Delhi maintained a revenue surplus during AAP tenure. It will be worthwhile to see if Gupta's government will be able to strike a balance between these schemes and financial stability for Delhi.
3. Clean Yamuna
The high pollution level in Yamuna river has always been a big talking point for every political party, including AAP. According to reports, most of the pollutants in the Yamuna get added as the river passes through Delhi, with effluents from illegal industries and untreated sewage from unauthorised colonies.
With the BJP promising to deliver a clean Yamuna, which was neither done by the Congress nor the AAP, the new government has a very demanding task ahead of it.
4. Air Pollution
Delhi was named second most polluted city of India in 2024, at 107 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3). Stubble burning, vehicular emissions and industrial pollution worsen Delhi's air every winter and the previous AAP government failed to control the capital's hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, often breaching severe category.
As a new government takes charge, public awaits eagerly to see how it is going to address most pressing issue of the national capital for several years now.
