India has had many strong female Chief Ministers who have led different states. They have worked for development, women’s empowerment, education and public welfare. Their leadership has brought positive changes in various fields like transport, healthcare and rural growth. These women have shown that leadership is not limited by gender and continue to inspire future generations with their vision and hard work.
Women in Indian Politics
The rise of women as Chief Minister shows progress toward gender equality in India. Women like Rekha Gupta, Mamata Banerjee and Mayawati have broken barriers and created opportunities for others. Their leadership inspires more women to join politics and bring positive change.
Delhi’s New Woman Chief Minister
Rekha Gupta was born in 1974 in Jind, Haryana. She has been of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a long time. Her political career started in student politics when she became the president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1996-97.
Gupta became a councillor in 2007 from North Pitampura and later represented Shalimar Bagh. She focused on improving education, healthcare and community development.
After a long journey in politics, Rekha Gupta became the Chief Minister of Delhi on February 20, 2025. She is the fourth woman to hold this position in Delhi. Her victory came after the BJP returned to power in Delhi after 27 years.
India’s First Woman Chief Minister
In October 1963, Sucheta Kriplani created history by becoming the first woman Chief Minister of India, leading Uttar Pradesh. She was known for her strong leadership and firm decision-making. During her tenure, a 62-day long state employees’ strike took place, demanding a pay hike. However, she stood her ground and refused to give in, proving her determination and courage. Her leadership set an example for future women in Indian politics.
List of Women Chief Ministers in Indian History
India has had many women Chief Ministers who played important roles in politics. Leaders like Sucheta Kriplani, Jayalalithaa, Mayawati and Mamata Banerjee have shaped their states. Rekha Gupta’s recent appointments adds to this inspiring list of women leaders.
Here is the list of women Chief Ministers in India history:
Name | State | Tenure | |
From | To | ||
Sucheta Kriplani | Uttar Pradesh | October 2, 1963 | March 14, 1967 |
Nandini Satpathy | Odisha | March 14, 1973 | September 1, 1977 |
Shashikala Kakodkar | Goa | August 1973 | April 1979 |
Anwara Taimur | Assam | December 1980 | June 1981 |
Vaikom Narayani Janaki Ramachandran | Tamil Nadu | January 7, 1988 | January 30, 1988 |
J. Jayalalithaa | Tamil Nadu | May 14, 1991 | May 15, 1996 |
May 2001 | September 20, 2001 | ||
May 23, 2015 | December 5, 2016 | ||
Mayawati | Uttar Pradesh | June 3, 1995 | October 18, 1995 |
May 2007 | March 15, 2021 | ||
Rajinder Kaur Bhattal | Punjab | February 1997 | May 1997 |
Rabri Devi | Bihar | July 1997 | February 1999 |
Sushma Swaraj | Delhi | October 1998 | February 1999 |
Sheila Dikshit | Delhi | December 1998 | December 2013 |
Uma Bharti | Madhya Pradesh | November 2003 | August 2004 |
Vasundhara Raje | Rajasthan | December 2003 | December 2008 |
December 2013 | January 2018 | ||
Anandiben Patel | Gujarat | May 2014 | August 2016 |
Mehbooba Mufti | Jammu and Kashmir | April 4, 2016 | June 19, 2018 |
Mamata Banerjee | West Bengal | May 20, 2011 | Present |
Atishi | Delhi | February | February 2025 (Interim) |
Rekha Gupta | Delhi | February 20, 2025 | Present |