Delhi CM List: Chief Ministers of Delhi Party Names and Tenure (1952-2025)

Delhi CM List 2024: India is a democratic republic, which means that the people choose their government through a voting system. So, whether it's a union, state, or federal election, India follows a democratic process where citizens have the right to vote and choose their representatives.

Regarding New Delhi, which is the capital of India, the first state assembly elections were held in 1952. Chaudhary Brahm Prakash from the Indian National Congress was elected as the inaugural Chief Minister, serving from March 17, 1952, until February 12, 1955.

Shalimar Bagh MLA Rekha Gupta to be new chief minister of Delhi, announces BJP pic.twitter.com/Oyf51vEwvK

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 19, 2025

Rekha Gupta is the newly-elect Chief Minister of Delhi, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The announcement was made on February 19, 2025. She is the 4th female chief minister of New Delhi.

If you are curious about the CMs of New Delhi from 1952 till now, this article provides a brief overview of the Chief Ministers who have served in New Delhi since its first state assembly elections. It highlights the democratic process and the changes in leadership over the years. 

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List of Chief Minister of Delhi with Party Name and Work Duration 

Here is a list of Delhi's Chief Ministers, along with their party names and terms in office.

1. Chaudhary Brahm Prakash

Chaudhary Brahm Prakash was born in 1918 in Nairobi, Kenya. He became the first Chief Minister of Delhi on March 17, 1952, at the age of 34, and served until February 12, 1955. He was elected from the Nangloi Jat constituency.

His political career began with active participation in the Indian independence movement, and he was a member of the Indian National Congress. During his time as CM, he focused on rural development and social justice.

His political career included serving as a Union Cabinet Minister for Food, Agriculture, and Cooperatives. Brahm Prakash was known for his commitment to rural development and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

He played a significant role in promoting cooperative societies and the Panchayati Raj system. His educational background includes early schooling in Delhi. In recognition of his contributions, a commemorative postal stamp was issued in his honour in 2001.

He passed away in 1993, leaving behind a legacy as a champion for social justice and agricultural reform.

2. Gurmukh Nihal Singh

Gurmukh Nihal Singh was born on November 1, 1918, in Daryaganj, Delhi. He served as the Chief Minister of Delhi from February 12, 1955, to November 1, 1956. Singh was affiliated with the Indian National Congress and represented the Daryaganj constituency during his term. 

Before entering politics, he was involved in social work and education. He was educated at prestigious institutions and became a well-known leader within the Indian National Congress party.

His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure and public services in Delhi. After his term ended, he continued to play an active role in politics but did not hold any major office again.

Singh was known for his dedication to public service and community welfare. He passed away on May 29, 1994. His contributions to Delhi's development during its early years as a state are remembered by many.

3. Madan Lal Khurana

Madan Lal Khurana was born on October 15, 1934, in a small village near Amritsar, Punjab. He became the Chief Minister of Delhi on December 2, 1993, serving until February 26, 1996. Khurana represented the Moti Nagar constituency and was a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Khurana was a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and played a crucial role in shaping Delhi's political landscape during the 1990s. His tenure focused on urban development and improving public services like water supply and electricity.

Khurana also worked towards enhancing law and order in the city. He held various positions within the BJP and served as a Member of Parliament later in his career.

Khurana's leadership style was characterised by his grassroots approach and ability to connect with citizens. He passed away on October 27, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated public servant.

4. Sahib Singh Verma

Sahib Singh Verma was born on January 15, 1944, in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. He served as Chief Minister from February 26, 1996, to October 12, 1998. Verma represented the Shalimar Bagh constituency as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Verma focused on urban development during his tenure. He emphasised infrastructure projects that aimed to improve transportation and housing for residents of Delhi.

Verma also advocated for education reforms and worked towards enhancing job opportunities for youth in the capital. Prior to becoming Chief Minister, he held various positions within the BJP and served as a Member of Parliament.

His leadership style was marked by a commitment to addressing local issues directly affecting citizens' lives. After his term ended, he continued to be active in politics until his passing on June 30, 2018.

5. Sushma Swaraj

Sushma Swaraj was born on February 14, 1952, in Ambala Cantt., Haryana. She served as Chief Minister of Delhi for a brief period from October 12 to December 3, 1998.

 A prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Swaraj had an extensive political career that included serving as India's External Affairs Minister from 2014 to 2019.

Known for her eloquence and strong communication skills, she made significant contributions to Indian diplomacy during her tenure at the Ministry of External Affairs.

Swaraj also held various ministerial roles at both state and national levels throughout her career. Her educational background includes a degree in law from Panjab University. She passed away on August 6, 2019, leaving behind a legacy as one of India's most respected female politicians.

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6. Sheila Dikshit

Sheila Dikshit was born on March 31, 1938, in Kapurthala, Punjab. She served as Chief Minister of Delhi for three consecutive terms from December 3, 1998, to December 28, 2013—totalling over fifteen years—making her the longest-serving CM in Delhi's history.

Dikshit represented the New Delhi constituency and was affiliated with the Indian National Congress (INC).

Dikshit represented the New Delhi constituency and was affiliated with the Indian National Congress (INC). Her tenure focused on transforming Delhi into a modern metropolis through extensive infrastructure projects like metro rail expansion and improved sanitation facilities.

She won elections with substantial margins; for instance, she secured over 64% of votes in her last election in December 2008. Dikshit passed away on July 20, 2020; her contributions significantly shaped modern Delhi.

7. Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana. He became the Chief Minister of Delhi first on December 28, 2013, after resigning briefly in early February 2014 due to political challenges related to anti-corruption legislation.

He returned to power on February 14, 2015, winning a historic majority by securing 67 out of 70 seats in that election, with over 54% of votes cast for AAP candidates across constituencies.

As a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kejriwal focused on anti-corruption measures and improving public services like education and healthcare during his tenure. He implemented various reforms aimed at making governance more transparent and accountable to citizens.

Kejriwal is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he studied mechanical engineering before joining the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). His leadership style is characterised by direct engagement with citizens through town hall meetings and social media platforms. 

Kejriwal has been re-elected multiple times since then; he won again in February 2020, securing 62 out of 70 seats with approximately 53% of votes against BJP candidates. 

As of now (September 2024), he has announced his resignation amid legal challenges but remains an influential figure in Delhi politics.

8. Atishi Marlena

Atishi Marlena was born on June 8, 1981, to Delhi University professors Vijay Singh Tomar and Tripta Wahi in a Tomar Rajput family of Punjabi background. Her parents gave her the middle name 'Marlena,' which is a mix of Marx and Lenin, which shows her ideological roots. 

Delving into her political career, it started in January 2013 when she joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In addition to supporting AAP leader and campaign leader Alok Agarwal during the historic protests and the ensuing legal battle, she was instrumental in the 2015 Jal Satyagraha in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. 

Additionally, Atishi holds a graduation degree in history from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. Further, she pursued her studies and earned a Master's degree in history from Oxford University, showcasing her dedication to academic excellence.

9. Rekha Gupta

श्रीमती रेखा गुप्ता जी को दिल्ली भाजपा विधायक दल का नेता चुने जाने पर हार्दिक बधाई एवं अशेष शुभकामनाएँ।

हमें पूर्ण विश्वास है कि आपके नेतृत्व में प्रदेश उत्तरोत्तर प्रगति करेगा। pic.twitter.com/K8Mu5SyvdV

— BJP Delhi (@BJP4Delhi) February 19, 2025

Born on July 19, 1974, in Nandgarh village, Haryana, Rekha's family relocated to Delhi when she was two years old. She completed her education in Delhi. She is a seasoned politician and currently serves as the General Secretary of the Delhi BJP.

She has a strong background in student leadership, having been the President of the Delhi University Students' Union from 1996 to 1997. She has also held positions as a municipal councillor and served as the Mayor of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation5.

In the recent assembly elections, she won the Shalimar Bagh seat with a notable margin of 68,200 votes. Her experience and leadership within the party have positioned her as a prominent figure in BJP's strategy for Delhi.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for February 20 at Ramlila Maidan4. The oath of office will be administered by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. She is is the fourth female Chief Minister of Delhi.

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Delhi Elections 2025: Who is the New CM of New Delhi?

 The Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 held on February 5, with results announced on February 8. The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) won the Delhi elections 2025 with a staggering of 48 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could only clinch 22 seats whereas INC couldn't get any seats. 

Rekha Gupta of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been declared the new Chief Minister of Delhi. This announcement on February 19, 2025, marks the BJP's return to power in Delhi after 27 years, with the party securing 48 out of 70 assembly seats.

Gupta, previously the General Secretary of the Delhi BJP and a former president of the Delhi University Students' Union, won the Shalimar Bagh constituency. Her swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for February 20, 2025, at Ramlila Maidan.

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