India functions as a democratic republic, which means that its government is elected by the people through a voting system. In this system, whether the elections are at the union (national), state or local level, Indian citizens have the right to vote and choose their representatives, which makes it a democracy.
India’s capital New Delhi also follows this democratic system. The first assembly elections were held in Delhi in 1952 and Chaudhary Brahm Prakash of the Indian National Congress was elected the first Chief Minister (CM). He remained CM from 17 March 1952 to 12 February 1955. Since then, Delhi has been electing a new Chief Minister through state elections every five years.
History shows how the democratic process in New Delhi has seen leadership changes over the decades, with notable chief ministers such as Sheila Dixit (the longest-serving chief minister), Madan Lal Khurana and Arvind Kejriwal contributing to Delhi’s development and governance.
The recent chief ministerial change, from Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation to Atishi’s interim leadership till the February 2025 elections
Recently, Arvind Kejriwal, who was the Chief Minister since 2020, resigned on September 15, 2024. The position is temporarily held by Atishi Marlena, who will serve as CM until the next elections, to be held in February 2025.
This is a significant leap for 43-year-old Atishi, who has been steadily rising within her party. With her appointment, she has become the third woman chief minister of Delhi after Sheila Dixit and Sushma Swaraj. Soon after being appointed Delhi Chief Minister, Atishi expressed her gratitude to her mentor Arvind Kejriwal and assured that she will continue to be an important figure for both the party and the two crore residents of the national capital.
List of Chief Ministers of Delhi and their tenure
Chief Minister of Delhi (1955–2024)
The list of chief ministers shows how different leaders from different political parties (such as the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party) have shaped the political landscape of Delhi over time.
Atishi Marlena
Born on 8 June 1981 in a Tomar Rajput family, Atishi Marlena will take over as chief minister in September 2024 after Kejriwal’s resignation. Atishi, an AAP member who contributed significantly to the party’s campaigns and the 2015 Jal Satyagraha, has a history degree from St Stephen’s College and a master’s degree from Oxford University. She will remain in office until the February 2025 elections.
Arvind Kejriwal
Born on August 16, 1968 in Siwani, Haryana, Arvind Kejriwal first became the Chief Minister of Delhi on December 28, 2013. After resigning briefly in early 2014, he returned to power with a historic majority on February 14, 2015. Leading the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kejriwal focused on anti-corruption, education and healthcare reforms. He was re-elected several times and continued to lead until his resignation in September 2024 due to legal issues.
Shiela Dixit
Born on March 31, 1938 in Kapurthala, Punjab, Sheila Dixit served as Delhi’s chief minister for three consecutive terms from December 3, 1998 to December 28, 2013. Representing the Indian National Congress (INC), she was the longest-serving CM, known for transforming Delhi through infrastructure projects such as the metro rail expansion. She passed away in 2020.
Sushma Swaraj
Born on February 14, 1952 in Ambala Cantt, Haryana, Sushma Swaraj was the Chief Minister of Delhi for a brief period from October 12 to December 3, 1998. A prominent figure of the BJP, she had a distinguished career that included serving as India’s foreign minister from 2014 to 2019. Known for her effective communication and diplomacy, Swaraj passed away in 2019.
Sahib Singh Verma
Born on 15 January 1944 in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh, Sahib Singh Verma was the Chief Minister of Delhi from 26 February 1996 to 12 October 1998. Verma, a BJP leader, focused on infrastructure development, housing, transport and education reforms. He continued his political involvement even after his tenure and passed away in 2018.
madan lal khuraana
Born on October 15, 1934 near Amritsar in Punjab, Madan Lal Khurana was the Chief Minister from December 2, 1993 to February 26, 1996. Representing the BJP and Moti Nagar constituency, Khurana was known for his focus on urban development and public services. He remained in politics as a Member of Parliament and passed away in 2021.
Gurmukh Nihal Singh
Born on 1 November 1918 in Daryaganj, Delhi, Gurmukh Nihal Singh was the Chief Minister of Delhi from 12 February 1955 to 1 November 1956. A member of the Indian National Congress, Singh worked to improve infrastructure and public services. After his tenure, he remained active in politics, but did not hold any major post. He died in 1994.
Chaudhary Brahm Prakash
Born in 1918 in Nairobi, Kenya, Choudhary Brahm Prakash became the first Chief Minister of Delhi on March 17, 1952. His term lasted till February 12, 1955. An active participant in the Indian Independence Movement, he focused on rural development and social justice during his tenure. He was also a Union Cabinet Minister and was honoured with a commemorative postage stamp in 2001. He died in 1993.
