Tue Feb 18 19:47:24 UTC 2025: **Delhi BJP Set to Name New Chief Minister Wednesday, Oath-Taking Ceremony Thursday**

NEW DELHI — After a two-week delay, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to announce Delhi’s new Chief Minister on Wednesday, February 19th. The swearing-in ceremony for the Chief Minister and the council of ministers is scheduled for Thursday, February 20th, at 4:30 PM at Ramlila Maidan.

The BJP’s victory in the recent Delhi Assembly elections marked a significant comeback after over two decades. While the party has remained tight-lipped about its choice for Chief Minister, sources indicate the selection will consider a blend of experience and youth, representing various caste and community groups within Delhi. Potential candidates mentioned include MLAs Parvesh Sahib Singh, Vijender Gupta, Rekha Gupta, Ashish Sood, Satish Upadhyay, and Shikha Roy. The new Chief Minister will be chosen from among the elected MLAs, not MPs.

The delay in naming the Chief Minister has drawn criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the outgoing ruling party. AAP leaders Atishi and Gopal Rai have accused the BJP of indecision and suggested the delay reflects a lack of trust from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the newly elected MLAs. Rai even warned of a potential repeat of the BJP’s previous Delhi government, which saw three Chief Ministers in five years. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal dismissed the AAP’s criticism, asserting that the party’s central leadership will make the right decision at the appropriate time.

The selection process is reportedly factoring in several criteria, including a clean public image, age (preferably under 60), and a strong history within the BJP-RSS organization in Delhi. The new cabinet will also likely reflect Delhi’s diverse population, with representation from various communities and groups. Party sources suggest that caste will be a significant factor in the decision. Preparations are underway at Ramlila Maidan for the upcoming oath-taking ceremony.

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