Wed Feb 19 12:02:50 UTC 2025: ## Delhi BJP to Announce New Chief Minister Today, Speculation Mounts

**New Delhi, Feb 19:** After a resounding victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, ending 27 years of opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to announce its Chief Minister today. The announcement is expected following a meeting of the BJP’s legislature party this evening. While the party has remained tight-lipped, speculation is rife about the identity of the next CM.

Several names are circulating, including those of Pervesh Verma and Rekha Gupta, who are considered frontrunners. Other potential candidates mentioned include Manoj Tiwari and Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Reports suggest that the party’s parliamentary board, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, has finalized the choice after several rounds of meetings. Observers Ravi Shankar Prasad and O.P. Dhankhar have been appointed to oversee the legislature party meeting and announce the decision.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, February 20, at 12:35 PM at Ramlila Maidan. The BJP plans a grand event, inviting approximately one lakh people, including Delhi’s slum dwellers, priests, and religious figures – a deliberate strategy interpreted by some as an attempt to erode Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) support.

The delay in announcing the CM has drawn criticism from the AAP. Acting Chief Minister Atishi criticized the BJP’s inability to select a CM from its 48 elected MLAs.

Extensive security arrangements, including over 5,000 police personnel and multiple security barricades, are being put in place at Ramlila Maidan for the swearing-in ceremony. Traffic advisories have also been issued by the Delhi Traffic Police. The BJP has shared a poster on X (formerly Twitter) inviting Delhiites to witness the “Vikasit Delhi Shapath Samaroh” (Developed Delhi Oath Ceremony). Interestingly, Bollywood celebrities will not be attending the ceremony, contrary to earlier reports. Goa’s Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, is expected to attend the event. Finally, both Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi will receive lifelong pensions as per Delhi government rules for former CMs.

Read More