In a major political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar as central observers to oversee the selection of Delhi’s next Chief Minister. This decision follows the BJP’s decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, where the party secured 48 out of 70 seats, marking its return to power in the capital after nearly three decades.
BJP Legislative Party Meeting and CM Selection
The newly elected BJP legislators are set to gather at the party headquarters on Pant Marg at 7 PM today. The key agenda of the meeting will be electing the leader who will take over as the Chief Minister of Delhi. Ravi Shankar Prasad and OP Dhankar, as central observers, will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth discussions and guiding the legislators towards a consensus choice for the top post.
Who Could Be Delhi’s Next CM?
As the BJP prepares to announce its Chief Ministerial candidate, several names have emerged as strong contenders. Parvesh Verma, who defeated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and outgoing CM Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, is widely seen as a frontrunner. Other key names in the mix include senior BJP leaders Vijender Gupta and Satish Upadhyay, as well as MLAs Pawan Sharma, Ashish Sood, Rekha Gupta, and Shikha Rai. However, there is growing speculation that the BJP might choose a relatively lesser-known face, as seen in past leadership decisions in states like Rajasthan and Haryana.
Grand Swearing-In Ceremony at Ramlila Maidan
The swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Minister is scheduled to take place on February 20 at Ramlila Maidan. The event, set to begin at 11 AM, will be a high-profile affair, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Union Ministers, Chief Ministers from BJP-led states, and other dignitaries in attendance. The BJP is planning a grand event, inviting around 30,000 guests, including key RSS leaders, spiritual figures, industrialists, celebrities, and party workers from across Delhi.
Security Arrangements for the Event
To ensure a smooth and secure event, authorities have ramped up security measures. Over 5,000 security personnel, along with 10 paramilitary companies, will be stationed in and around Ramlila Maidan. Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Ravindra Singh Yadav has confirmed that extensive security arrangements are in place to handle the anticipated large crowd and ensure the safety of VIP guests.
Opposition’s Take on the CM Delay
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticized the BJP for not announcing its Chief Ministerial pick sooner. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia questioned the delay, suggesting it reflected internal disagreements within the BJP. He also urged the new administration to focus on pressing public issues such as education, healthcare, electricity, and water supply, which were key agenda points of the outgoing government.
Conclusion
As Delhi eagerly awaits the official announcement of its new Chief Minister, the BJP’s strategic leadership choice and the grand swearing-in event underscore the significance of this political transition. The chosen leader will be expected to address critical governance challenges and fulfill the commitments made during the election campaign. With the BJP back in power, all eyes will be on the new government’s approach to shaping Delhi’s future.
