Mon Feb 17 06:18:40 UTC 2025: ## BJP Set to Form Delhi Government After 27 Years; CM Swearing-in Likely on February 20th

**New Delhi:** The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to form the government in Delhi after a 27-year hiatus, marking a significant political shift in the capital. Sources indicate that the swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Minister is likely to take place on February 20th. A meeting of BJP MLAs is expected on February 19th to formally elect their leader. While the venue remains unconfirmed, Ramlila Maidan is a strong contender for the swearing-in ceremony.

The party had initially scheduled the MLA meeting for February 17th, but it was later postponed. The Chief Minister’s selection has been the subject of high-level deliberations, with several names circulating, including Prahvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, and Rekha Gupta. The BJP leadership, however, has remained tight-lipped regarding the final decision. The party had previously stated that the government formation claim would be staked after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return from his visit to the US.

Among the frontrunners for the Chief Minister’s post are Pravesh Verma (who defeated AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency), Ashish Sood (Delhi BJP general secretary), and Rekha Gupta (MLA from Shalimar Bagh). Other contenders include Vijender Gupta, Satish Upadhyay, and Jitender Mahajan. Party sources have hinted at the possibility of a woman Chief Minister or a completely new face being chosen by the national leadership. Shikha Roy is also reportedly under consideration.

Sources suggest that 15 MLAs have been shortlisted for key ministerial positions, and there are no plans for a Deputy Chief Minister. A final decision is expected following consultations between Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, and other senior party leaders.

The BJP’s victory, securing 48 out of 70 seats, ended the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) more than 10-year rule in Delhi. AAP won only 22 seats in the closely contested elections. This marks the BJP’s first Delhi government formation since 1993.

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