In a firm and emotional response to a shocking physical attack during a public hearing, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has made it clear: no amount of intimidation will stop her from fulfilling her duty to the people. In her first public statement since the incident, Gupta called the assault “a cowardly attempt to shake my resolve”, but assured Delhiites that her government will continue to function fearlessly.

The incident occurred during a Jan Sunwai (public grievance redressal session) on Monday morning at her Civil Lines camp office, where the CM meets citizens personally to hear their concerns. While Gupta was interacting with people, a man—later identified as Sakaria Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai from Rajkot, Gujarat—lunged forward from the crowd and physically attacked her, slapping her, grabbing her by the hair, and shouting loudly before being restrained by security staff.

While many political figures and the public reacted with outrage, Rekha Gupta chose to center her response on unity and purpose. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:

“Today’s attack during the Jan Sunwai was not just an attack on me—it was an attack on our collective mission to serve. It was a cowardly attempt to instill fear in those who work for the people. But I assure you: I will not be intimidated. I am already recovering and will be back among you very soon.”

Security sources say that the attacker gained access by posing as a complainant and had likely done some level of reconnaissance prior to the incident. He reportedly attempted to film the premises earlier and entered the session with a grievance regarding the handling of stray dogs—a matter that had recently been highlighted by a Supreme Court order on the relocation of aggressive strays.

The Delhi Police has filed a case under attempt to murder (Section 307 of IPC) and other charges, and further investigations are underway to determine whether the attack had political motivations or stemmed from personal grievances. Some unverified sources claim the man’s brother is imprisoned, and he blames the administration for inaction.

Gupta, who was treated for injuries to her head and right hand, said in her message:

“Your love and support give me strength. I request all well-wishers not to worry or visit me unnecessarily. I am recovering well. The work to improve Delhi will not stop. Jan Sunwai will resume with even more seriousness.”

The BJP, her party, has called the attack a “grave threat to democracy” and demanded a thorough review of security protocols for elected officials. Party President JP Nadda stated, “This is not just an assault on our Chief Minister; this is an attack on democratic institutions.”

Reactions from opposition parties have varied. While many, including the Congress and AAP, condemned the violence unequivocally, others raised questions about the CM’s personal security arrangements and the openness of such public forums in today’s polarized climate.

Veteran AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, in a tweet, said:

“Violence has no place in our society. The attack on CM Rekha Gupta is deeply disturbing and must be condemned by all. I hope she recovers quickly.”

The incident has also sparked a broader debate on the safety of women in public life. Several women’s rights organizations highlighted the symbolic weight of the attack, pointing out that a physical assault on a woman in power is not just about politics but also a reflection of social attitudes towards women in authority.

Gupta’s rise to the CM’s post earlier this year marked a turning point in Delhi politics. As a senior BJP leader, former Delhi University professor, and longtime civic activist, she led her party to victory in the 2025 Assembly elections, breaking the Aam Aadmi Party’s ten-year dominance. Since taking office, she has maintained a reputation for accessibility, holding weekly public sessions and engaging directly with citizen grievances.

Some critics are now questioning whether such openness comes at too high a cost. However, Gupta has remained resolute:

“Democracy demands that we stay connected with the people. If a few cowards think they can stop us by raising a hand, they’re wrong. I will keep meeting people. I will keep solving problems.”

Citizens across Delhi expressed solidarity online, with hashtags like #StandWithRekhaGupta and #DemocracyUnderAttack trending for several hours. Civil society members, students, and professionals echoed her call for resilience and civic participation.

In a late-evening video message shared across social media platforms, the Chief Minister thanked everyone for their support and reiterated her determination to go back to work as early as next week. “My team is strong, and so is my spirit,” she said. “I promise you all—I will not slow down.”

This unyielding stance appears to have energized her base. Many supporters view her response not just as personal courage but as symbolic of a governance model that prioritizes people-first politics, direct accountability, and moral clarity.

As the investigation into the attack continues, security around key political figures is expected to be reviewed. Meanwhile, Rekha Gupta has emerged from this traumatic incident not weakened, but emboldened—a leader reaffirming that threats will never be allowed to drown the voice of democracy.