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The formation of the next Delhi government is currently on hold, pending the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his trip to France and the United States. Sources indicate that several crucial decisions, including the selection of the next Chief Minister to replace Atishi and the composition of the new cabinet, are yet to be finalized. The BJP's resounding victory in the recent Delhi Assembly elections has set the stage for this significant transition of power, but the party is awaiting the Prime Minister's return to initiate the formal processes. Upon his arrival, Mr. Modi is expected to convene a high-level meeting with key figures within the BJP, including Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, and Delhi unit leaders. This meeting will be pivotal in determining the leadership and structure of the upcoming Delhi government.
The timeline for the formation of the new government remains fluid, contingent on the outcome of the aforementioned meeting. While a definitive date has not been publicly announced, sources suggest that the first meeting of the legislature party might be held on either February 17th or 18th. The swearing-in ceremony for the new ministers is tentatively scheduled for February 19th or 20th. Regardless of the specific dates, the BJP is planning an elaborate and large-scale swearing-in ceremony to mark the occasion. The event is anticipated to draw considerable attention, with the attendance of Chief Ministers from all BJP-ruled states, as well as representatives from states governed by NDA partners.
In the lead-up to the Prime Minister's meeting, the BJP leadership has already undertaken preparatory work, including the compilation of a shortlist of potential candidates. This shortlist, comprising 15 names from the party's 48 MLAs, serves as a pool from which nine individuals will be selected. These selections will encompass the Chief Minister, members of the cabinet, and the Assembly Speaker. Speculation regarding the identity of the next Chief Minister has been rife since the BJP's victory. Parvesh Verma, a former two-time MP who defeated Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, is considered a strong contender. Other prominent names on the shortlist include Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi unit leader; Bansuri Swaraj, a first-time MP and daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj; and Satish Upadhyay, a prominent Brahmin figure within the Delhi BJP.
The BJP's triumph in the Delhi Assembly elections marks a significant political shift. Their victory, securing 48 out of 70 seats, represents a dramatic turnaround from their previous performance in the Delhi Assembly. The party’s previous election results in Delhi had been considerably less successful. This success can be contrasted with the performance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which saw its vote share significantly decline. The AAP's campaign faced criticism over the 'sheeshmahal' and liquor excise policy scandals, amongst others. The Congress party also faced a resounding defeat, securing zero seats for the third consecutive Delhi election. The BJP's resurgence in Delhi highlights shifting political dynamics and the success of their election strategy, particularly in contrast to the significant setbacks faced by both the AAP and Congress.
The upcoming government formation process is a significant event, not only for the residents of Delhi but also for the national political landscape. The decisions made in the coming days will shape the political direction of Delhi for the next several years. The selection of the Chief Minister and cabinet will be crucial in setting the tone and priorities of the new government. The extensive planning for a grand swearing-in ceremony underscores the importance the BJP places on this transition, signaling their determination to make a strong start in their renewed governance of Delhi. The upcoming weeks will provide crucial insights into the BJP’s plans and priorities as they embark on this new chapter in Delhi's political history. The post-election period has been marked by anticipation and speculation, and the upcoming meetings will serve to resolve these uncertainties and usher in a new era of governance in the nation's capital.
Source: BJP's Delhi Government Formation Talks Awaits PM's Return From US: Sources