Tue Feb 18 16:52:27 UTC 2025: **Delhi BJP Delays Chief Minister Announcement, Ramlila Maidan Prepares for Grand Oath-Taking Ceremony**

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing criticism for its delay in naming Delhi’s next chief minister, even after a resounding victory in the recent assembly elections. While the party secured 48 of 70 seats, ending a 27-year absence from power in the capital, the suspense surrounding the CM pick continues.

Preparations, however, are underway for a lavish swearing-in ceremony scheduled for February 20 at the Ramlila Maidan, capable of accommodating 30,000 people. The event is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other prominent BJP leaders, including chief ministers from BJP-ruled states. The venue is undergoing significant renovations, including repainting and cleaning. Some reports even suggest that the attendance could reach 100,000.

The BJP has cited an upcoming legislative party meeting, now scheduled for February 19, as the reason for the delay. Following this meeting, the party will choose its leader who will then stake claim to form the government. The oath-taking ceremony is slated for 4:30 pm on February 20.

The delay has drawn sharp criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which lost the election. AAP leaders have accused the BJP of internal divisions and questioned the party’s ability to govern effectively. They have pointed to the prolonged delay and alleged infighting as evidence of a lack of clear leadership.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have dismissed the AAP’s criticism, attributing it to “restlessness” and assuring that the CM announcement is imminent. They have also highlighted plans to address key issues, such as the Yamuna river cleanup, which has been a source of contention between the BJP and AAP. BJP leaders have claimed the previous AAP government obstructed cleanup efforts. The government has pledged to clean the river by 2027.

The announcement of Delhi’s new chief minister is highly anticipated, marking a significant shift in the city’s political landscape.

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