AAP Accuses Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s Husband Of Running Govt Behind the Scenes After Pics Go Viral

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has levelled serious allegations against Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, claiming that her husband is effectively running the government in the national capital.

A statement made by the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Atishi, has triggered a political row and drawn attention to Rekha Gupta's husband, Manish Gupta.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/AtishiAAP

"Look at this photo carefully. The person who is taking the meeting of the officers of MCD, DJB, PWD and DUSIB is the husband of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta," Atishi said in her post.

"Earlier we used to hear that if a woman Sarpanch was elected in the village, then all the government work would be handled by her husband... But this must be the first time in the history of the country that a woman has become the Chief Minister and all the government work is being handled by her husband," she added.

Atishi further questioned whether Manish Gupta had a hand in governance issues such as frequent power cuts and rising private school fees.

In response, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused Atishi of making a "disrespectful" remark.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Sachdeva defended Rekha Gupta, stating she had risen through the ranks through "hard work and determination", and emphasised that it is "perfectly normal" for family members to support elected representatives.

Who is Manish Gupta?

Manish Gupta is a businessman based in Delhi. He is a trader by profession and owns a company named Nikunj Enterprises, according to the election affidavit submitted by Rekha Gupta.

He is also listed as an agency associate with Kotak Life Insurance.

Following her appointment as Delhi Chief Minister earlier this year, Rekha Gupta credited her husband for his unwavering support throughout her political career.

When asked about her husband's role in her success, she told PTI, "Of course, yes. He did a lot for me."

AAP vs BJP

Atishi's insinuation that Rekha Gupta's husband may be influencing key administrative decisions has intensified the AAP-BJP political confrontation.

Responding to this, Sachdeva said, "Atishi being a woman yourself, it is surprising you are insulting another woman leader. Rekha Gupta has worked her way up from DUSU Secretary to Delhi CM. Her husband supporting her is neither illegal nor unethical."

He also cited instances of AAP leaders' spouses playing roles in party affairs, such as Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, addressing the public from the Chief Minister's office after his arrest.

"Was that not an insult to democracy?" Sachdeva asked.