Delhi Assembly Elections: With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) poised to form a government in Delhi after 27 years, speculation is rife about who will be chosen as the next Chief Minister. As the party secures a landslide victory in the assembly elections, dethroning the Aam Aadmi Party from the national capital, all eyes are now on the leadership selection.
The BJP went to the polls without declaring its chief ministerial candidate. Now that the party has returned to power after 27 years on the back of so many leaders, picking one person to lead the party will be a tough call. The party campaigned under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, while former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal sought a comeback.
Reacting to the thumping victory, BJP state president Virendra Sachdeva said that the central leadership will decide the CM face. Sachdeva said, “Our party workers have put in immense effort. This victory belongs to our top leadership. We contested the election on real issues concerning Delhi, while Arvind Kejriwal attempted to divert attention.”
Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, who emerged as the man of the moment for BJP in the polls by defeating AAP convenor Kejriwal, said that the party top brass will take a decision regarding the CM face of the national capital. “In our party, the legislative members decide on the chief ministerial candidate, and the leadership gives its approval. Whatever the party decides will be accepted by all,” he said.
As the BJP keeps its choice undisclosed, here’s a look at six possible contenders for the top post in Delhi:
Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma
A former MP, Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma has gained national attention after defeating AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. The son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, he has been hailed as a “giant killer” for unseating Kejriwal in his stronghold.
His victory makes him a strong candidate for the chief ministerial role.
Vijender Gupta
A senior party leader and state BJP President, Vijender Gupta has served as the Delhi BJP chief and has consistently won from the Rohini constituency in 2015 and 2020, even when AAP dominated the elections. As a former Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, his experience and political resilience make him a key contender.
Satish Upadhyay
Recognised as BJP’s Brahmin face in Delhi, Satish Upadhyay has held several key positions, including BJP state president, chief of Delhi Yuva Morcha, and vice-chairman of NDMC. He has also been co-in-charge of Madhya Pradesh and has strong ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), strengthening his chances.
Ashish Sood
Representing the Punjabi community, Ashish Sood has served as a councillor and as general secretary of the Delhi BJP. Currently overseeing BJP’s affairs in Goa and co-managing party operations in Jammu and Kashmir, his strong ties with the central leadership and past role as Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president make him a viable candidate.
Jitendra Mahajan
A three-time MLA from Rohtas Nagar, Jitendra Mahajan belongs to the Vaishya community and is known for his close association with the RSS. His electoral success and organisational skills position him as a strong contender for the chief ministerial role.
Om Prakash Sharma
Om Prakash Sharma, the BJP MLA from Vishwas Nagar, has been a consistent performer in Delhi politics. Known for his strong grassroots connect and vocal stance on key issues, Sharma has maintained a loyal support base. His experience as a legislator and alignment with the party’s leadership make him a significant contender for the chief minister’s post.
