CM Rekha Gupta Discusses Her Vision For A Culturally Unified Delhi With Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai

Bharat Express organised the Urdu Conclave, Bazm-e-Sahafat, on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, with the central theme ‘New India with Urdu’.

The distinguished Bazm-e-Sahafat Urdu Conclave was hosted in collaboration with the Urdu Academy and the Delhi Government at the India Islamic Culture Centre, Lodhi Road, in the national capital today.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Government Minister Kapil Mishra, and Bharat Express CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai attended as special guests.

The programme commenced with CM Rekha Gupta and CMD Upendrra Rai lighting the ceremonial lamp, symbolising the start of a cultural celebration dedicated to Urdu.

Warm Reception for Chief Minister and Guests

CMD Upendra Rai welcomed Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Minister Kapil Mishra by presenting them with a memento and a ceremonial shawl.

He expressed gratitude for their presence, noting that despite her demanding schedule, the Chief Minister prioritised attending the conclave.

He praised her commitment and congratulated her for supporting a platform that strengthens cultural dialogue.

After the inauguration, CMD Upendrra Rai engaged CM Rekha Gupta in a detailed question-and-answer session covering governance, social responsibility, and Delhi’s cultural identity.

The Chief Minister responded thoughtfully, offering insights into her vision for the national capital.

Responding to a question on how she faced friends and family after becoming Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta said she felt the same sense of honour and responsibility that any ordinary citizen would experience when entrusted with a major role.

She credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s vision of inclusive governance for empowering women and socially diverse groups.

She emphasised that her appointment was not just personal recognition but a tribute to India’s women, who now feel more represented in government and public life.

Delhi’s Cultural Identity and Governance Vision

Answering a question on what makes Delhi special and how her government aims to redefine it, the Chief Minister highlighted that while Delhi has always been in the global spotlight, earlier governments often attracted attention for the wrong reasons.

After 27 years, the people handed Delhi’s mandate to the BJP, and her administration is focused on restoring Delhi’s image while improving civic services.

She described Delhi as a ‘Mini India’ that reflects cultural diversity and the spirit of Ganga-Jamuni heritage.

She emphasised recent celebrations—from Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom anniversary to Chhath Puja and the historic Diwali event at Kartavya Path—as examples of her government’s commitment to preserving cultural vibrancy.

When asked about the limited number of RERA-registered projects and whether outer Delhi requires renewed development focus, the Chief Minister said she has lived her entire life in Delhi and understands its long-pending issues.

She stated that previous governments allowed the city’s development to stall, leaving many problems unresolved. Her administration, she assured, is working to address these challenges comprehensively.

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