Delhi CM: BJP set to announce CM face today— Who will rule national capital? Here’s a look at key contenders

Delhi CM: Days after BJP's landslide victory in national capital, the suspense over Delhi’s new chief minister will finally end today, February 19, as the party's legislative council is set to elect its leader at a crucial meeting at 7 pm. The decision, to be taken in the presence of central observers, will pave the way for the formation of a BJP-led government in the national capital after more than 26 years.

The newly elected leader will stake claim to form the government at the Lieutenant Governor's office, following which the recommendation will be sent to Rashtrapati Bhavan for approval. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place around 12 pm on February 20 at Ramlila Maidan.

Also Read: Delhi Next CM: Amid CM face uncertainty, AAP's Atishi alleges 'internal tussle' within BJP over portfolio allocation

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CM, two deputies likely for Delhi

According to sources, BJP may opt for a "CM plus two Deputy CMs" formula to ensure caste and regional representation. The party is considering a balanced leadership, potentially appointing leaders from the Dalit, Purvanchali, and Jat communities. Seven ministers are also expected to take oath along with the chief minister.

The BJP’s Parliamentary Board has appointed MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankhar as central observers for the Legislature Party meeting.

Delhi CM: BJP may spring a surprise

While several names are in contention for chief ministerial race, the BJP has a history of picking unexpected candidates. Here's a look at key contenders

- Ravinder Indraj Singh: A first-time MLA from the Punjabi Dalit community, his selection could align with BJP's social engineering strategy
- Pravesh Verma: Son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, he defeated Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat and could be the Jat face of the party
- Shikha Rai: A lawyer and former Mahila Morcha president, she defeated AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj and could be BJP’s first female CM pick
- Vijender Gupta: A senior BJP leader with RSS backing, he has strong organizational experience and represents the Vaishya community
- Jitendra Mahajan: A three-time MLA known for his simple lifestyle and RSS links, he could be a dark horse in the race.
- Raj Kumar Bhatia: BJP’s Delhi vice-president and a key figure in the party’s slum outreach campaign, his name is also in the mix

Also Read: Delhi CM Oath-Taking Ceremony: Over 5,000 security personnel to be deployed at Ramlila Maidan

Delhi CM oath-taking ceremony: Kejriwal, Atishi invited

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva confirmed that former CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader Atishi have been invited to the oath-taking ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, chief ministers from BJP-ruled states, and other dignitaries are expected to attend the swearing-in event at Ramlila Maidan.

With BJP's history of springing surprises, all eyes are on today's 7 pm meeting to see who will lead Delhi after nearly three decades.