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List of Women Chief Ministers in Indian History, Know Names, States and Working Period

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
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