Delhi government formation: BJP awaits PM Modi’s return to finalise leadership
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The BJP is set to accelerate its efforts to form the new Delhi government once Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his official visits to France and the United States later today, sources revealed.
Key decisions, including the appointment of a new Chief Minister to replace AAP leader Atishi and the composition of the new cabinet, remain pending. It is expected that PM Modi will hold a high-level meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Delhi BJP leaders to finalise these decisions.
Following this, the BJP’s legislature party meeting is likely to be held on February 17 or 18, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for February 19 or 20. The event is expected to be a grand affair, attended by chief ministers of all BJP-ruled states, as well as leaders from states governed by the party’s NDA allies.
Party leaders have already shortlisted 15 potential candidates from its 48 elected MLAs. From this list, nine will be chosen to take up key positions, including the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, and the Assembly Speaker.
Among the frontrunners for the Chief Minister’s post is former MP Parvesh Verma, who secured a significant victory over AAP chief and former CM Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. Other potential candidates include Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, first-time MP Bansuri Swaraj - daughter of late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj - and veteran leader Satish Upadhyay, seen as the party’s prominent Brahmin face in the capital.
The BJP's return to power in Delhi marks a significant political shift, following its decisive victory in the February 5 Assembly elections. The party secured 48 of the 70 seats, making a remarkable comeback after failing to gain traction in the last two state elections.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which was seeking a third consecutive term, suffered a severe setback, winning only 22 seats. The party's campaign was marred by corruption allegations, including controversies surrounding Arvind Kejriwal’s residence renovations and the liquor excise policy. In contrast to its dominant performances in 2015 and 2020 - when it won 67 and 62 seats, respectively - AAP struggled to maintain its stronghold this time.
Meanwhile, the Congress continued its downward spiral, failing to win a single seat for the third consecutive election, further diminishing its presence in Delhi politics.