BJP to Pick Delhi CM Amid Speculation, Oath-Taking Tomorrow

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to announce its chief ministerial candidate for Delhi following a meeting of its newly elected legislators on Wednesday evening. The chosen leader will take the oath of office on Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior party officials at Ramlila Maidan.

The 48 BJP MLAs, who secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, will convene at 7 p.m. to select their leader. The meeting will take place at the Delhi BJP headquarters on Pandit Pant Marg. Senior leaders appointed as central observers will engage with legislators before finalizing the chief ministerial nominee. Speculation is high that the party may consider a woman MLA for the top post.

Elaborate arrangements are being made at Ramlila Maidan, where the new chief minister will take the oath at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The venue, capable of accommodating approximately 30,000 attendees, is being prepared with security reinforcements and logistical support. BJP leaders Tarun Chugh and Vinod Tawde are overseeing the arrangements.

Delhi Police, in coordination with Special CP (Law & Order) Ravindra Singh Yadav, is implementing stringent security measures for the event. More than 5,000 security personnel, including additional DCPs from different districts, have been deployed to ensure a smooth ceremony. Traffic advisories have been issued to manage vehicular movement and avoid congestion.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticized the BJP for its delay in announcing a chief ministerial candidate. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia stated that uncertainty looms over governance as the BJP struggles to decide on a leader. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai suggested that Delhi may see multiple chief ministers in the next five years, similar to past BJP regimes.

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha also weighed in, questioning why the BJP has taken 11 days to finalize a candidate, implying that the delay reflects internal conflicts within the party.

Among the front-runners for the chief ministerial post is Rekha Gupta, BJP MLA-elect from Shalimar Bagh, who defeated AAP’s Bandana Kumari by a margin of 29,595 votes. A seasoned politician, she has served as a general secretary and president of the Delhi University Students' Union and is an active member of the party’s national executive.

While her name remains under discussion, sources indicate that the BJP may opt for a less predictable candidate, following the pattern seen in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh, where surprise picks emerged as chief ministers.

The BJP's victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marks its return to power in the national capital after 27 years. The party won 48 out of 70 seats, unseating the AAP government that had held office for a decade. With this mandate, the BJP has pledged to implement policies aimed at urban development, infrastructure enhancement, and governance reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive at Ramlila Maidan by 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, after which Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena will administer the oath to the new chief minister and cabinet ministers. The event is scheduled to conclude by 1 p.m.

The BJP has extended invitations to approximately 30,000 attendees, including industrialists, spiritual leaders, and prominent figures from various sectors. Party workers from other states who contributed to the election campaign have also been invited.

Key Developments and Political Responses

- Security Preparations: Delhi Police has deployed extensive security measures for crowd management and VIP safety.

- Traffic Advisory: The Delhi Traffic Police has announced diversions and issued guidelines to commuters.

- AAP’s Criticism: The opposition continues to target the BJP over the delay in selecting a CM.

- Leadership Speculation: A woman leader is being considered for the CM post, with Rekha Gupta emerging as a strong contender.

- Public Engagement: BJP has invited citizens to witness what it calls a ‘historic moment’ at Ramlila Maidan.