The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to announce its new Chief Minister (CM) for Delhi today, following its commanding victory in the recent Assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place between February 19 and 20.
BJP’s Historic Win in Delhi Assembly Elections
In a significant political shift, the BJP secured 48 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, a remarkable achievement that marked the end of AAP’s dominance in the capital. AAP, once the uncontested force, could only manage 22 seats. This result has set the stage for a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape, with the BJP now looking to solidify its control.
This victory came after a fierce election battle between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with high-stakes contests in key constituencies. Among the most notable victories was that of Parvesh Verma, who defeated AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi. Verma’s success has cemented his position as a strong contender for the top post.
The victory also meant a major loss for prominent AAP figures such as Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Satyendra Jain, who all failed to secure seats. This defeat marks a sharp contrast to their previous performances, where the AAP had dominated Delhi’s political scene.
Who Will Take the CM Post?
As the dust settles on the election results, the BJP is now turning its attention to the selection of the new Chief Minister. Several key leaders are in the running for the prestigious role, but Parvesh Verma’s name is emerging as the frontrunner. Verma’s victory in the high-profile New Delhi constituency, where he faced off against Kejriwal, has made him a significant figure within the BJP.
However, another strong contender is Satish Upadhyay, who has served as the Delhi BJP president and previously led the Delhi Youth Wing. His political experience and leadership within the party make him a viable candidate for the position.
Despite these strong contenders, the final decision is expected to be made soon, with speculation mounting around the announcement. The party is likely to have settled on its choice by today, paving the way for the CM-elect to take the oath of office in the coming days.
BJP’s Promises in Its Manifesto
Ahead of the elections, the BJP rolled out its manifesto titled ‘Viksit Delhi Sankalp Patra,’ making several promises to various sections of society. These included promises of free healthcare, job creation, and improved infrastructure for women, students, farmers, and workers. Additionally, the party’s focus was on pollution control, transport, and utilities like water and power, aiming to tackle some of the city’s most pressing issues.
The manifesto also emphasized providing assistance to key groups, including auto-rickshaw drivers, washermen, and anganwadi workers. The BJP’s efforts to address the concerns of these groups seem to have resonated with voters, leading to its overwhelming victory.
Delay in Chief Minister Announcement
While the BJP has clearly won the mandate to form the next government, the delay in announcing the new CM has raised eyebrows. Priyanka Kakkar, the national spokesperson for AAP, took to social media to question the delay. She called for clarity on why the BJP has not yet made its CM announcement despite winning such a resounding victory.
The party has remained tight-lipped on the matter, but sources indicate that the announcement will come shortly, likely after internal deliberations. This delay is perhaps a strategic move, ensuring that the party is fully prepared for the transition ahead.
The Triple-Engine Government
With the BJP securing control in Delhi, the party is now poised to usher in a “triple-engine government,” where the party controls the Delhi Assembly, the municipal corporation, and the central government. This consolidated power base is expected to give the BJP significant leverage in implementing its policies and promises.
The BJP is already looking at ways to leverage this political advantage, focusing on fulfilling its manifesto commitments. As the new government takes shape, all eyes will be on how the party delivers on its promises to address key issues like pollution, healthcare, education, and unemployment.
What’s Next for AAP?
The Aam Aadmi Party, despite its loss, remains a significant force in Delhi politics. Party leaders have expressed their disappointment, but they are also planning their next steps. The loss of top leaders like Kejriwal and Sisodia has created a leadership vacuum within the party, but AAP’s grassroots support remains strong.
With Delhi now firmly in the BJP’s hands, AAP will need to regroup and rethink its strategy. The party’s future in Delhi could hinge on how it recovers from this setback and how it redefines its role in the city’s political discourse.
