Photo Ops vs Policy: Rekha Gupta’s Governance Under the Lens

Nearly four months into her tenure as Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta has made headlines, but not necessarily for addressing the capital’s pressing issues. Instead, her focus appears to be on crafting a public image as a hands-on, proactive leader, with a camera crew documenting her every move. From tearing down illegal posters to cleaning drainage channels, Rekha Gupta photo ops have sparked a debate: Is she genuinely committed to improving Delhi, or is this a carefully orchestrated public relations campaign at a time when the city grapples with power cuts, school fee hikes, and other critical challenges?

Since assuming office, Gupta has maintained a ubiquitous presence across Delhi’s streets, often accompanied by a media entourage. Her activities are diverse, yet conspicuously staged for maximum public impact. One day, she was spotted wielding a scraper, personally removing posters illegally plastered on metro pillars and walls in busy areas like Connaught Place. “This defacement of public property must stop,” she declared to a gathered crowd, as cameras captured her efforts. The next day, she was seen directing officials to clear stray cows from arterial roads in south Delhi, addressing a long-standing issue that contributes to traffic chaos. “We need to ensure safety and order,” she stated, her words amplified by the microphones thrust toward her.

Her campaign continued with a public appeal to residents, urging them not to feed cows on roadsides, citing both animal welfare and traffic concerns. More recently, Gupta was photographed stepping into a drainage channel with a shovel, assisting municipal workers in cleaning the filth. “A clean Delhi is a healthy Delhi,” she proclaimed, as her images were swiftly shared across social media and news outlets. Each of these events has been meticulously documented, with professional-grade videos and photographs accompanied by hashtags like #RekhaOnTheGround and #DelhiWithRekha.

These Rekha Gupta photo ops have dominated news cycles, further fuelling public debate. While these actions have garnered attention, critics argue they are little more than photo opportunities that distract from Delhi’s deeper systemic issues. The city is reeling under frequent power outages, particularly in the scorching summer months, with residents in areas like Burari and Nangloi reporting hours-long blackouts. The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has faced public ire for failing to ensure a reliable supply, yet Gupta has been notably silent on the issue. Similarly, a recent hike in private school fees has sparked protests from parents, who accuse the government of inaction. “The CM is busy cleaning drains for the cameras while our children’s education is becoming unaffordable,” said Priya, a parent and member of the Delhi Parents’ Association.

Urban infrastructure, too, remains a sore point. Stray cattle, which Gupta has publicly addressed, continue to roam freely in many areas, with no comprehensive policy to tackle the issue. Encroachments on public spaces, illegal posters, and clogged drainage systems—problems Gupta has symbolically tackled—require long-term planning and investment, not one-off stunts, say urban planners. “These are systemic issues that need policy interventions, not just a CM with a shovel,” remarked Anil Kumar, a PhD scholar in Urban Studies at a university in Delhi.

Gupta’s supporters, however, defend her approach, arguing that her visibility is a sign of accountability. “She’s out there, working with the people, not sitting in an air-conditioned office,” said Ramesh Tiwari, a local BJP leader from Kalkaji. “Her actions inspire citizens to take responsibility for their city.” Supporters point to her engagement with municipal workers and local communities as evidence of her commitment to grassroots governance. They also highlight her use of social media to amplify her message, noting that her posts often include calls to action for residents to keep Delhi clean and safe.

Yet, the optics of Gupta’s campaign are hard to ignore. Political analysts suggest her focus on high-visibility tasks is a deliberate strategy to build a populist image and connect with a wider electorate through emotionally resonant visuals. “She’s positioning herself as a relatable, action-oriented leader—someone who rolls up her sleeves and gets involved,” said Sanjeer Alam, a political analyst associated with CSDS. “But beyond the optics, there’s a growing concern that the performative aspect is eclipsing policy depth. You can win attention with optics, but governance is a long game—and Delhi’s problems demand a lot more than symbolic appearances.”

The contrast between Gupta’s public appearances and the city’s ongoing challenges has fuelled scepticism. For instance, while she was cleaning a drainage channel, residents in nearby neighbourhoods complained of overflowing sewers and waterlogged streets. “It’s great that she’s cleaning one drain, but what about the thousands of others that are choked?” asked Sunil Yadav, a shopkeeper in Masigarh. Similarly, her campaign against illegal posters has done little to address the broader issue of unregulated advertising, with new posters reappearing days after her cleanup drives.

Opposition leaders, too, have begun to question Gupta’s priorities. Kuldeep Kumar, Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Kondli, told The Federal that such optics won’t resonate with Delhiites struggling with daily hardships. “These stunts only make her look foolish. Delhiites are not looking for a chief minister who performs for the cameras. They are waiting for this government to deliver on its grand promises—₹2,500 for every woman, a clean Yamuna, uninterrupted electricity, and affordable education. But instead of concrete steps, all they’re getting is a daily dose of theatrics. It’s insulting to people’s intelligence,” Kumar said, adding that symbolic gestures won’t cut it in a city that is growing increasingly impatient for results.

Gupta’s administration has promised broader reforms, including a roadmap for improving power infrastructure and addressing stray cattle through modernised shelters. However, these plans remain in the early stages, with few concrete timelines or budgets announced. Meanwhile, the CM’s media team continues to churn out polished content, ensuring Rekha Gupta photo ops remain at the forefront of the news cycle. A recent video showed Gupta standing with schoolchildren and their parents during a public meeting on affordable schooling—her posture assertive, her tone empathetic—as she reiterated her government’s commitment to accessible education. The clip went viral, earning praise from some quarters but drawing eye-rolls from others. “It’s like watching a reality show, not governance,” quipped a user on X.

As Delhi navigates its myriad challenges, the question remains: can Rekha Gupta translate her public relations blitz into meaningful change? For now, her camera-ready initiatives have succeeded in keeping her in the spotlight, but they risk being overshadowed by the city’s unresolved crises. Power outages, rising costs, and urban disarray demand more than symbolic gestures—they require sustained policy efforts and accountability. Whether Gupta can pivot from Rekha Gupta photo ops to substantive governance will determine whether her tenure is remembered as a turning point for Delhi or merely a well-documented performance.

For many Delhiites, patience is wearing thin. As power cuts stretch into long summer nights and fees continue to pinch pockets, the gap between performative governance and real relief grows wider. “All we’re asking for is a city that works—a city where the lights stay on, our kids can study, and we can get to work without dodging cows,” said Renu, a resident of Nagloi. The applause may follow Gupta’s camera crew for now, but Delhi will judge her not by her visibility but by her delivery.