Three Haryana Natives Who Became Delhi's Chief Ministers

The traditional saying "Desaan meh des Haryana, jit doodh-dahi ka khana" (Haryana is the land of milk and yogurt) has taken on new meaning as this small state has now produced three Chief Ministers for the national capital. This remarkable connection between Haryana and Delhi's political landscape showcases the significant influence of this agriculturally rich state on the governance of India's capital. 

Sushma Swaraj: The Pioneer (1998)

Sushma Swaraj, born in Ambala, made history as Delhi's first woman Chief Minister in 1998. She took office during a tough time for the BJP, which was dealing with internal conflicts between former CMs Madan Lal Khurana and Sahib Singh Verma. Although her time as Chief Minister was short-lived, lasting only 52 days, she faced significant challenges like rising onion prices, electricity shortages, and deteriorating law and order. Interestingly, Swaraj accepted the position on the condition that she would return to central politics if the BJP lost the next election. Despite winning her own seat from Hauz Khas, she kept her promise and stepped down. Swaraj herself described her brief tenure as "hitting sixes on every ball of the last over," highlighting its impact despite the short duration.

Arvind Kejriwal: The Reformer (2013-2024)

Arvind Kejriwal's journey from a civil servant born in Hisar's Siwani Mandi to Delhi's Chief Minister represents a remarkable transformation in the capital's political landscape. After receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006 for his anti-corruption efforts, he founded the India Against Corruption movement with Anna Hazare in 2011. This eventually led to the establishment of the Aam Aadmi Party in 2012. Kejriwal's political career in Delhi spanned three terms - first forming a minority government with Congress support, then winning overwhelming mandates in 2015 and 2020 with 67 and 62 seats respectively. His tenure came to an end in 2024 following his arrest in a liquor policy case, and his party's subsequent defeat in 2025 when AAP managed to win only 22 seats.

Rekha Gupta: The New Leader (2025)

The newest chapter in this Haryana-Delhi connection is being written by Rekha Gupta, whose family roots trace back to Jind's Julana. Born on July 19, 1974, her Delhi journey began when her father Jaibhagwan moved to the capital as a Bank of India manager in 1972-73. Educated entirely in Delhi, she completed her B.Com from Daulat Ram College and later earned her law degree. Her political journey began with RSS association during her college days saw setbacks with two unsuccessful assembly election attempts. However, her perseverance paid off in 2025 when she won with 68,200 votes, becoming Delhi's ninth Chief Minister at the age of 50.

Interestingly, these three leaders share several common things despite their different political eras. Both Sushma Swaraj and Rekha Gupta emerged from RSS backgrounds, practiced law, and were known for their oratory skills. Each leader brought their unique Haryana perspective to Delhi's governance, facing distinctive challenges during their respective tenures. Their stories collectively represent different phases in Delhi's political evolution, demonstrating how leaders from Haryana have consistently influenced the capital's political narrative.