New Delhi: It has been over a week since the election results in Delhi were announced, and yet, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not revealed the name of the new Chief Minister. The party had secured a majority in the assembly elections for the first time in 27 years.
According to sources, BJP is working on a detailed formula to finalize the name for the Chief Minister’s post. Initially, 15 names were shortlisted from the 48 elected MLAs. These were then narrowed down to nine based on caste equations and other factors. The Chief Minister, along with the speaker and key ministers, will be chosen from this group of nine candidates. This confirmed that the next Chief Minister will be one of the newly elected BJP MLAs.
Meeting with PM Modi to finalise name
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned from his visits to France and the United States on Friday, will play a crucial role in the decision. A meeting will be held between PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and other senior leaders to finalize the leadership in Delhi.
Sources suggested that the top leadership has already completed most of their groundwork and the decision will be announced once the Prime Minister approves it.
Possible dates for government formation
The timeline for the government formation is also becoming clearer. According to reports, a meeting of BJP legislative party is likely to take place on February 17 or 18.
Following this, the swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held on February 19 or 20. The ceremony may take place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and there is speculation that Chief Ministers from other NDA-ruled states could be invited to the event.
What BJP leaders said
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, BJP’s winning candidate from Rajouri Garden constituency, said that the decision will be announced soon. “Our observers will be decided in the next 1-2 days, after which we will hold a meeting. The name of the Chief Minister will be revealed shortly after,” he said.
BJP spokesperson Ajay Alok also stated that BJP’s Parliamentary Board will meet in the next few days to finalize the name. He further took a jibe at former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and her remarks about power cuts in the capital, saying, “Atishi should focus on mourning the Aam Aadmi Party’s defeat.”
The Aam Aadmi Party, which had ruled Delhi for the last decade, suffered a significant loss in the elections. Out of 70 seats, BJP won 48, leaving AAP with just 22 seats.
What’s next?
With BJP’s internal process nearing completion, Delhi is expected to get a new government by next week. The Chief Minister’s name, however, remains under wraps for now.
The anticipation is high, and all eyes are on the BJP’s top leadership to make the big announcement.
