After winning Delhi Assembly election, BJP is now faced with an important question: who will be the next Chief Minister of Delhi? This is big news in politics as it ends AAP’s 10 year rule under Arvind Kejriwal.

Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma: The Front-Runner

Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma is one of the top contenders for Chief Minister. He is called ‘giant slayer’ as he beat AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal by over 4000 votes in New Delhi constituency. Verma is not only a good politician but also a suitable candidate to be the Chief Minister as last three out of four CMs were from New Delhi seat. Kejriwal won this seat in 2013, 2015 and 2020 and Sheila Dikshit of Congress won this seat in 2008.

Verma’s win is big for BJP as it sends a strong message to the Jat community he belongs to. Jat votes were key to BJP’s success in Haryana and Rajasthan and helped the party cement its position in UP. After his win, Verma met Home Minister Amit Shah which many see as a sign that he is becoming more powerful in the party.

In an interview Verma told the people of Delhi that the new government will work with PM Narendra Modi and central government to develop the city. He said, "The people of Delhi have given us this mandate. I want to assure them that we will form a government that works with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government."

Other Contenders for the Chief Ministerial Post

Although Verma is a key candidate, he is not the only one competing for the position. BJP sources suggest that there are five possible candidates being considered, and each one has their own special strengths.

Satish Upadhyay: Another strong contender is Satish Upadhyay who stopped AAP leader Somnath Bharti from winning a fourth term in Malviya Nagar. Upadhyay is known as the BJP’s Brahmin face in Delhi and has administrative experience having been the Vice Chairman of New Delhi Municipal Corporation. His links with RSS and experience in senior roles in BJP add to his advantage.

Jitendra Mahajan: Mahajan is 3 time MLA from Rohtas Nagar and is also in race for CM post. He has RSS connection and is considered trusted candidate for the party.

Vijender Gupta: Gupta is President of Delhi BJP and 3 time MLA from Rohini Assembly seat. He is known as Vaishya representative of the party and has been Leader of Opposition in the past.

Ashish Sood: Ashish Sood represents Punjabi community and is newly elected MLA from Janakpuri constituency which is traditional BJP seat. He has administrative experience as Delhi Councillor and General Secretary of Delhi unit of the party. His connections with central leadership and past post of President of Delhi University makes him strong candidate.

BJP’s victory is due to ‘Modi wave’, support from women, middle class and Purvanchali’s. BJP won 48 seats which is a big jump from last time, AAP get only 22 seats. Congress which used to be a major player in Delhi politics has not won a single seat for the 3rd time in a row.

Prime Minister Modi thanked the voters, saying, "I salute and congratulate all my brothers and sisters for giving a historic victory to the BJP. I am really grateful to all of you from my heart.” On the other hand Kejriwal accepted the defeat saying, “People’s decision is the final. I congratulate BJP for the win and hope they will fulfill the hopes and expectations of those who voted for them.”

As the BJP gets ready to form the new government, the choice of who will be the Chief Minister is an important and closely followed event in Delhi's politics.