By The Sampadak Express
The wait for the new Chief Minister of Delhi is expected to come to an end on February 19, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will convene its legislative party meeting. This crucial meeting will determine the party’s choice for the new leader who will take charge as the Chief Minister of the national capital.
Initially, the meeting was scheduled for Monday, but it has been finalized for Sunday, February 19, to officially name the leader. All 48 newly elected BJP Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will gather at the Delhi BJP office for the meeting, where the leader of the legislative party will be announced. This individual will soon be sworn in as the new Chief Minister.
BJP Leadership and Parliamentary Board Meeting
On Friday, BJP spokesperson Ajay Alok confirmed that the announcement would come soon. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is returning tonight from his foreign visit. We will hold a parliamentary board meeting tomorrow or the day after. Delhi’s new CM will be revealed,” he said.
The BJP’s landslide victory in the Delhi assembly elections, held on February 8, saw the party securing 48 of the 70 seats, significantly ousting the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from power. In stark contrast, AAP only won 22 seats, while Congress once again failed to secure a single seat, continuing its decline in the region.
Frontrunners for Chief Minister
Among the newly elected BJP MLAs, several names are circulating as potential candidates for the role of Delhi Chief Minister. Notably, Parvesh Verma, who is considered a prominent Jat face of the BJP in Delhi, is a strong contender. Verma emerged victorious in the New Delhi constituency, where he defeated Arvind Kejriwal, the incumbent Chief Minister.
Other potential candidates include former Delhi BJP presidents Vijender Gupta and Satish Upadhyay, both of whom have significant political experience. However, there is also speculation that the BJP’s national leadership could surprise the public by presenting a completely new face who has the capability to lead the capital and fulfill the high expectations of its residents.
BJP to Appoint Observers for Finalizing CM
To ensure a smooth process in finalizing the new Chief Minister, the BJP is likely to appoint observers who will engage in discussions with the newly elected MLAs. These talks are part of the process to determine who will lead the party in the assembly.
AAP’s Struggles and BJP’s Rise
The February 8 elections marked a major shift in Delhi’s political landscape. AAP, which had ruled the city for over 10 years, saw a major setback, with many of its top leaders losing their seats. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with other prominent AAP figures, lost in their strongholds, signaling a loss of popularity. The outgoing Delhi CM, Atishi, managed to retain her seat, but the party’s overall performance was a disappointment.
In contrast, BJP’s victory in the Delhi elections is being celebrated as a significant achievement. The party’s success is seen as part of a broader trend of strengthening its position in the capital.
Congress Fails to Make a Mark
The Congress party, which previously ruled Delhi for 15 years between 1998 and 2013, failed to win any seats in the recent elections. This result highlights the ongoing decline of the Congress party in Delhi, as it has struggled to maintain its relevance in recent years.
As the BJP prepares to officially announce its new Chief Minister of Delhi on February 19, all eyes will be on the party’s choice of leader, who will face the challenging task of leading the capital after the party’s resounding victory. The selection of the Chief Minister is crucial for the BJP, as it will need to address the high expectations of Delhi residents and navigate the city’s complex political landscape.
For the latest updates, stay tuned to The Sampadak Express.