Next Delhi CM: Problem of plenty for BJP

With the BJP's landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, all attention has now turned to who will assume the role of the next Chief Minister.​

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As there are several prominent figures within the BJP who could be considered for the top post, it may become difficult for the party to choose the right person for the job.

As the BJP prepares to form the government, the chosen leader will face the immediate challenge of fulfilling the party's electoral promises, including improvements in education, healthcare and infrastructure, while ensuring inclusive development across all sections of society.

Notably, the BJP, which has remained in power in the Centre for the last more than 10 years, had been unable to form a government in Delhi or project a popular face for the CM's post for more than 25 years.

In 1996, Sahib Singh Verma became the Chief Minister of the NCT of Delhi. He served as the CM for two and a half years but following an onion price crisis in the city, Verma was replaced by Sushma Swaraj.

Swaraj served as the CM for 52 days after which the elections were announced. Since then, the BJP had been unable to form a government in the capital.

The saffron party projected multiple big names like Swaraj, Dr Harsh Vardhan in 2013, Kiran Bedi in 2015 and ultimately Manoj Tiwari in 2019 as its CM faces but all failed as AAP emerged victorious and formed the government twice.

However, this time, the BJP has wrested the power from AAP and will have to find the suitable candidate for the CM's post.

While the party is yet to formally announce any name, many prominent figures have become subject of the discussion which include Parvesh Verma, the BJP candidate who is now being called as the giant-slayer after defeating AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal.

Parvesh, the son of Sahib Singh Verma, has deep-rooted connections in Delhi politics and his recent electoral success makes him a strong contender.

Another candidate could be Rohini MLA Vijender Gupta, a seasoned politician, who has previously served as the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. Known for his organisational skills and experience in Delhi's political landscape, Gupta is viewed as a capable administrator who could lead the capital effectively.

Verma in focus

While the BJP is yet to formally announce any name for the top post, many prominent figures have become subject of the discussion which include Parvesh Verma, the BJP candidate who is now being called as the giant-slayer after defeating Kejriwal.

The BJP candidate from Rajouri Garden, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who defeated AAP’s Dhanwati Chandela, is also considered as one of the top contenders for the post. Sirsa is a prominent Sikh leader and his rising profile makes him the right candidate whose influence could also be used in Punjab where Assembly elections are expected to be held in 2027.

Dushyant Gautam, BJP's national general secretary and a prominent Dalit leader, is another top name in the race for the post. Although he lost the elections, Gautam is known for his grassroot-level support. He was pitted against AAP’s Vishesh Ravi in the Karol Bagh seat.

Chances of former Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay are also good as he has secured a win from Malviya Nagar by defeating AAP's Somnath Bharti and capturing the seat after 32 years.​