For the BJP, the chief ministerial post does not seem to be a priority. Even after 9-10 days since the announcement of the Delhi Assembly election results, the country’s largest political party has yet to announce the name of the chief minister, sparking various reactions. However, the real reason behind this delay lies elsewhere. The top leadership of the saffron party has already finalized the date for the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in Delhi. Accordingly, the swearing-in ceremony will take place on Thursday at 4:30 PM. However, the party has still not revealed who will take the oath as chief minister.
At first glance, the delay appears to be due to difficulty in selecting a candidate from multiple contenders for the chief ministerial position. However, in the corridors of power in the capital, this delay is also being mocked. Critics argue that since BJP state governments are also controlled from Delhi, the selection of a chief minister is not a matter of great importance—anyone can be appointed, and the real focus should be on organizing a grand swearing-in ceremony, as the central leadership in Delhi will ultimately run the government. While the truth of such remarks cannot be verified, the fact that the country’s largest and most well-organized party has been unable to announce its chief minister even by February 17, despite the results being declared on February 8, gives weight to these criticisms.
According to a BJP source that informed NDTV about the finalized date and time of the swearing-in ceremony, the venue has not yet been decided. The likely location could be Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Additionally, on Wednesday, all 48 newly elected MLAs will meet for a legislative party meeting. Though, in principle, these 48 MLAs are supposed to elect their leader—the chief minister—the final decision will be made in accordance with the directives of the top leadership.
As per discussions in the capital, BJP’s top leadership is considering a list of 15 names for the chief ministerial post, which is causing the delay in the announcement. Interestingly, not all names on this list belong to elected MLAs. Therefore, it would not be surprising if a central BJP leader is ultimately given the responsibility of the chief minister’s position.