KKN Gurugram Desk | The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to finalize its next Chief Minister for Delhi in a crucial Legislature Party meeting at its Delhi unit office on February 19, 2025. After securing a major victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, the party is now preparing for a grand oath-taking ceremony on February 20, 2025 at Ramlila Maidan.
Senior BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and former Haryana MLA O. P. Dhankar have been appointed as central observers to oversee the CM selection process. The chosen leader will later meet Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena to stake a claim to form the new government.
The oath-taking ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, and NDA allies. The event is expected to be a grand affair with cultural performances and nearly 30,000 guests in attendance.
BJP’s Victory in Delhi Assembly Elections 2025
The BJP achieved a historic victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats, marking the party’s return to power after 27 years. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, managed to win only 22 seats, resulting in a significant political shift in the national capital.
Despite securing a majority in the elections held on February 8, 2025, the BJP has taken more than 10 days to announce its Chief Ministerial candidate, sparking political debates and opposition criticism.
Central Observers Appointed for CM Selection
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, the BJP high command has appointed Ravi Shankar Prasad and O. P. Dhankar as central observers for the Delhi Legislature Party meeting.
Role of the Central Observers
- Supervise the meeting and election process.
- Facilitate discussions among elected MLAs.
- Ensure smooth coordination for leadership selection.
The new Chief Minister will be finalized after consultations with party MLAs. Once elected, the CM-designate will visit Raj Niwas to formally meet Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and stake a claim to form the government.
AAP’s Response to BJP’s Delay in CM Selection
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticized the BJP for delaying the selection of Delhi’s Chief Minister.
AAP’s Allegations
- BJP is struggling to finalize a CM candidate.
- Party leadership is divided over the selection process.
- Delhi might see multiple Chief Ministers in five years.
AAP leader Gopal Rai accused the BJP of either facing internal conflicts or hiding a bigger political move.
Despite AAP’s criticism, BJP leaders remain confident about choosing a strong leader for Delhi’s governance.
Grand Oath-Taking Ceremony on February 20, 2025
The swearing-in ceremony of Delhi’s new Chief Minister is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Ramlila Maidan. The event will witness a massive gathering and feature a cultural program with music and performances.
Key Attendees at the Oath-Taking Ceremony
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Home Minister Amit Shah
- Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled States
- Union Ministers & NDA allies
- Delhi BJP Leaders & Workers
Around 30,000 guests have been invited, including BJP workers from across India who were deployed during the Delhi Assembly elections.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva has also invited opposition leaders, including AAP Chief and former CM Arvind Kejriwal, Caretaker CM Atishi, and Congress Delhi President Devender Yadav.
Political Leaders Attending the Swearing-In Ceremony
Several prominent leaders from across India will attend the ceremony.
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu to Attend
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will be present at the Delhi CM’s oath-taking ceremony.
- Naidu will arrive in Delhi on the evening of February 19, 2025.
- The event at Ramlila Maidan marks BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years.
- He previously attended the Maharashtra and Haryana CM oath ceremonies in December 2024.
Naidu’s presence highlights BJP’s growing political alliances and coordination with NDA partners.
What’s Next for BJP in Delhi?
1. CM Announcement and Government Formation
- BJP MLAs will elect their leader today at the Delhi BJP unit office.
- The selected leader will meet Lieutenant Governor and stake claim to form the government.
2. Cabinet Formation & Portfolio Allocation
- After the CM’s selection, BJP will finalize its Cabinet Ministers.
- Key portfolios like Home, Finance, Education, and Health will be allocated.
3. Governance Roadmap for Delhi
- BJP aims to implement its election promises focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security.
- The party has assured a double-engine government to bring development and transformation in Delhi.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje stated that the double-engine government (BJP at both Centre & State) will improve Delhi’s governance and infrastructure.
Reactions from BJP Leaders
BJP leaders have expressed confidence in the leadership’s decision-making process.
BJP MLA-elect Rekha Gupta stated:
- “Today’s legislative meeting is crucial. Tomorrow, Delhi will witness a historic oath-taking ceremony.”
- “After 27 years, the vision of ‘Ram Rajya’ will take oath in Delhi.”
Her statement reflects BJP’s ideological vision and its commitment to transforming Delhi’s governance.
Challenges Ahead for the New BJP Government
Though BJP has secured a strong mandate, it faces several governance challenges:
1. Public Expectations and Policy Implementation
- Voters expect immediate reforms in governance.
- BJP must deliver on promises related to infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
2. Opposition from AAP & Congress
- AAP and Congress will act as strong opposition forces in Delhi’s assembly.
- Policy implementation might face hurdles due to political clashes.
3. Managing Political Stability
- BJP will need to maintain internal unity and prevent leadership conflicts.
- Ensuring efficient governance is crucial for long-term political success.
The BJP’s Delhi Legislature Party meeting on February 19, 2025, will finalize the new Chief Minister. The selected leader will take oath on February 20 at Ramlila Maidan, in a grand ceremony attended by top political figures.
Despite AAP’s criticism, BJP remains confident in forming a stable government after a historic win in Delhi elections. The new BJP-led government faces challenges, but it has the opportunity to transform Delhi’s development through effective governance.
With Delhi’s political landscape set for a major shift, all eyes are on the new CM’s leadership and governance policies.
