Republic Day 2026: CM Rekha Gupta Presents 11-Month Report Card At Chhatrasal Stadium

Republic Day 2026 at Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium turned into a defining moment for Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as she marked her first Republic Day after assuming office.

Hoisting the tricolour, inspecting the parade, and addressing the public, Gupta used the occasion to present her government's 11-month performance and outline a broader vision for the capital.

Tribute to Martyrs and the Constitution's Legacy

The ceremony began with homage to the nation's martyrs. Addressing the gathering, Rekha Gupta said the country could never forget those who laid down their lives for the honour of the tricolour. She described the Constitution as the soul of India, stating that for 77 years it has guided the nation on the principles of justice, equality, and dignity. Remembering Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and the Constitution's framers, she said modern India stands firmly on the foundations they built. She also noted the milestones of 150 years of Vande Mataram and 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Clearing Systemic Bottlenecks and Governance Reforms

Reflecting on her government's early days, the Chief Minister said that when her administration took charge 11 months ago, the biggest hurdle was the accumulated dust and inertia within the system. She claimed decisive steps were taken to remove these obstacles and give Delhi a new direction. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", she said policies were shaped with inclusive development at their core.

Healthcare Push Through Ayushman Bharat

Gupta highlighted healthcare as a priority area, noting that the Ayushman Bharat scheme was implemented in Delhi on her government's very first day. She said 6.5 lakh people have already registered under the scheme, which provides health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh. More than 300 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now functional, government hospitals are being digitised, and 4,000 new posts for doctors and paramedical staff have been created to strengthen the health system.

Infrastructure, Transport, and Electric Mobility

On infrastructure, the Chief Minister announced that Delhi's capital expenditure for 2025-26 has been increased to nearly ₹30,000 crore. She said all public transport buses would be converted to electric over the next three years, with 11,000 e-buses to be added. Plans are in place to redevelop all ISBTs, while the Delhi Metro budget has been raised to ₹5,000 crore to improve urban mobility.

Focus on Slums, Villages, and Green Energy

Gupta said ₹700 crore has been earmarked for the development of slum clusters, while ₹1,700 crore has already been spent on village development. She announced preparations for 10 new gaushalas equipped with biogas plants and modern facilities. To promote sustainability, solar plants have been installed on all government buildings, linking Delhi's growth with green energy.

Women, Workers, Education, and Social Welfare

Highlighting social initiatives, the Chief Minister spoke about the Pink Bus Card scheme offering free bus travel to women and transgender persons. She announced the formation of a Gig Worker Welfare Board to provide social and health security to gig workers. In education, she pointed to a 21 percent budget allocation, a proposed bill to curb school fee hikes, and the development of a ₹1,300 crore education hub in Narela.

Sports, Security, and Welfare Commitments

Gupta said work has begun on Delhi's first international-standard Delhi Sports University in Mundka, alongside a policy to offer the highest rewards to athletes in the country. She noted that more than 50,000 people eat meals daily at ₹5 through Atal Canteens, with plans to scale this up to one lakh beneficiaries. The government also plans to install 10,000 new CCTV cameras, relocate Tihar Jail, and reinforce its commitment to a clean, safe, and prosperous Delhi.

A Symbolic First Republic Day Salute

From Chhatrasal Stadium, Rekha Gupta's address carried a clear political and administrative message. Her first Republic Day salute was not limited to ceremonial symbolism but was presented as a roadmap for the years ahead. Through the event, the Chief Minister sought to underline that Delhi is now moving through a phase of change and renewed governance.