Manjinder Singh Sirsa’s political career took a significant leap when he was sworn in as the Delhi Minister on February 20, 2025, alongside Rekha Gupta, who became the Chief Minister. This ceremony, held at the Ramleela ground, was monumental as it marked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s return to power in Delhi after 27 long years, winning 48 out of 70 seats.
Sirsa, who emerged victorious from the Rajouri Garden constituency, previously had notable ties with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Transitioning to the BJP in 2021, he launched his campaign with considerable resources, attracting attention for his substantial assets totaling ₹248.9 crores, as stated on his electoral affidavit.
During the oath ceremony, Sirsa expressed sincere gratitude to the BJP leadership, stating, "I thank PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Baijayant Panda, and Virendraa Sachdeva. They included me...to make Delhi beautiful once again…" This expression of gratitude underscored his commitment to contributing to the new Delhi government’s vision.
Rekha Gupta also shared her appreciation, affirming, "I will stand up to his expectations," reflecting the optimism surrounding the new administration’s aims and future endeavors.
Sirsa has previously served as president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, enhancing his influence within the Sikh community. He achieved victory against the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Dhannwati Chandela by securing 18,190 votes, indicating his stronghold and the BJP's growing prominence.
His appointment as minister has strategic significance for the BJP, particularly after the farmer protests, which considerably weakened the party's hold on Punjab politics. By including strong Sikh representatives such as Sirsa, the BJP aims to bolster its connections with this important voter base, viewing it as pivotal for the upcoming 2027 Punjab elections. This approach could help the BJP regain ground lost during previous farmer protests.
Through these recent developments, Sirsa stands as one of the party's key Sikh faces, often seen alongside Prime Minister Modi during his visits to gurdwaras. His influence among Sikh constituents serves as a bridge, fostering trust between the community and the ruling party.
The swearing-in ceremony for Sirsa and his fellow ministers signals more than just political appointments; it reflects the BJP’s calculated efforts to reclaim its position and navigate the complex religious and ethnic landscapes of Delhi and Punjab.
Political analysts note the importance of Sirsa’s role within the cabinet, especially as tensions among various community factions simmer. The BJP’s recent strategies, including the selection of capable leaders like Sirsa, suggest preparation for challenging electoral battles poised to take place over the coming years.
Overall, the appointment of Manjinder Singh Sirsa as Delhi Minister is emblematic of the BJP’s renewed strategies to engage with pivotal social demographics and reshape perceptions within historically significant communities. This development will likely shape the political discourse leading up to the next wave of elections.