By HT News Desk
Published: Aug 21, 2025, 10:05 PM IST
NEW DELHI: A day after being physically assaulted during a public interaction session at her official residence, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that she will now hold public hearings in every assembly constituency across the city. The announcement reflects her determination to continue engaging with citizens despite the shocking incident, emphasizing that such attacks will neither shake her resolve nor deter her from serving the people of Delhi.
The assault occurred on Wednesday during a ‘Jan Sunwai’ program at the Civil Lines residence, when the Chief Minister was reportedly attacked by an unidentified individual. While the incident caused immediate concern among security officials and the public, Rekha Gupta’s response has been firm and resolute, highlighting her commitment to maintaining direct contact with citizens and addressing their concerns.
Speaking on Thursday, Gupta recalled a lesson from her father that shaped her resilience. “When I was in college, Papa gave me a car to drive. One day, a big accident happened. I got scared and became afraid to even touch the car again. Then Papa said that accidents happen in life, but you can’t stop out of fear. You can’t stop walking on the path,” she said. Reflecting on the attack, she added, “Today, his same lesson comes to mind again. Yesterday, another accident happened, but I can never stop fighting for the interests of Delhiites.”
Rekha Gupta underlined the particular strength and resilience of women in overcoming adversities. “Women have double the strength to fight through difficulties. They have to pass countless tests to prove themselves. I am ready too! Now, public hearings will not only be held at my home but in every assembly of Delhi. Your Chief Minister, at your doorstep,” she said, signaling a proactive approach to governance and citizen engagement.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the Chief Minister affirmed that the attack would not diminish her commitment to public service. “Such attacks can never shake my determination or weaken my resolve to serve the people. I will now be among you with even greater energy and dedication,” she wrote, emphasizing that her focus remains on addressing citizens’ grievances and ensuring governance reaches every part of the city.
The decision to expand public hearings to all 70 assembly constituencies is seen as an effort to make governance more accessible and to reinforce public trust. By taking her office to the constituents’ doorstep, Gupta aims to ensure that citizens can voice their concerns without facing bureaucratic delays or obstacles. The move also highlights a broader commitment to participatory governance, where residents are directly involved in the problem-solving process and local administration is more responsive.
Security arrangements for the expanded hearings are expected to be strengthened following the Wednesday incident. Officials have indicated that additional measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the Chief Minister and the smooth conduct of public sessions. Authorities are also reviewing protocols for public interactions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Political observers note that Gupta’s response underscores her image as a determined and resilient leader willing to confront challenges head-on. By turning an adverse incident into an opportunity to enhance public outreach, she is reinforcing the principle that leadership involves courage, accountability, and a direct connection with the electorate.
As Delhi residents await the rollout of these constituency-level public hearings, expectations are high that the sessions will provide a platform for citizens to raise concerns about local issues ranging from infrastructure and civic amenities to public safety and social welfare programs. Gupta’s initiative is being seen not just as a political statement, but as a practical step toward inclusive governance.
With public hearings set to commence soon, the Chief Minister’s office has called on citizens to participate actively, assuring them that their grievances will be heard and addressed with priority. The expanded engagement is likely to set a precedent for more proactive and accessible governance in the national capital.
