Delhi govt formation likely after PM’s return

A day after clocking a historic win in Delhi after a gap of 27 years, the BJP appeared in no hurry to name the CM and form the government with top sources saying the process would set in motion after PM Narendra Modi’s return from his tour to France and the US.

Editorial: BJP all the way

In PM’s absence, party functionaries on Sunday held meetings with the newly elected 48 MLAs of Delhi. BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh, BJP Delhi in-charge Baijayant Panda and state chief Virendra Sachdeva held closed-door meetings with the legislators.

Atishi resigns

Delhi CM Atishi handed over her resignation to Lt Governor VK Saxena on Sunday, a day after AAP faced a crushing defeat in the Assembly polls. The L-G asked her to continue till the formation of the new govt

Verma meets Nadda

Former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma’s son Parvesh Verma, who defeated AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi, on Sunday met BJP president JP Nadda. Sources said it was a courtesy meeting

“The meetings were held in groups featuring MLAs from each of the seven parliamentary constituencies. A general introduction took place and the party gave a clear direction on what to do. All MLAs were told to go to the people and thank them for their support. For about four to five days, we will engage with the people of Delhi,” said an MLA who attended the meeting.

The Tribune has learnt that BL Santosh gave three clear messages to the MLAs — stay rooted, humble and in constant touch with the people; honour party discipline as elected representatives and avoid out of line statements; and respect party’s decision on the CM as and when announced.

There was no word on when the meeting of the BJP legislative party will be held. Sources said the party would PM away, Delhi govt formation first appoint central observers to oversee the meeting proceedings where the leader of the legislative party, the CM, would be chosen.

The government formation and swearing in would be a grand affair with all BJP and NDA partners and CMs in attendance. Asked about the potential CM candidate, a senior MLA said, “Anyone saying a name is lying because no one knows.”

Other leaders pointed to BJP’s surprise picks for CM posts in Rajasthan (Bhajan Lal Sharma); MP (Mohan Yadav); Chhattisgarh (Vishnu Deo Sai) and Odisha (Mohan Majhi) to say “only the top brass knows who the Delhi CM will be”.