Delhi's Next CM: Parvesh Verma, Manoj Tiwari or Vijender Gupta? Who will be BJP's pick for national capital?

Delhi's Next CM: After over 26 years of exile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to return to power in the national capital, securing 48 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections, held in a single phase on February 5. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had been in power for a decade, managed to secure only 22 seats, according to Election Commission of India (ECI) data.  

With the BJP’s victory sealed, attention now shifts to the crucial question—who will be the next chief minister of Delhi? The party leadership has yet to announce a name, but several contenders are in the fray.  

Parvesh Verma, who defeated AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat, has emerged as a frontrunner. A two-time MP from West Delhi and the son of former chief minister Sahib Singh Verma, he is being widely speculated as a strong choice for the top post. Other names gaining traction include former Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay, senior leader Vijender Gupta, newly elected Janakpuri MLA Ashish Sood, and Uttam Nagar legislator Pawan Sharma. However, given the BJP's history of making unexpected leadership choices, speculation remains high. The party may also look beyond MLAs for the chief minister’s post. Among those being discussed are MPs Manoj Tiwari, Harsh Malhotra, and Bansuri Swaraj.

Here's a look at key contenders at fray for Delhi CM post:

Parvesh Verma: BJP's front runner Parvesh Verma, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, has emerged as a key contender after securing a resounding victory over Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. The two-time MP from West Delhi, with strong organisational backing from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), now finds himself at the centre of the leadership debate. His political clout has grown significantly following his unexpected win, making him a formidable choice for the chief ministerial post.  

Ashish Sood: Janakpuri MLA Ashish Sood, a senior BJP leader, brings extensive administrative experience to the table. Having previously served as in-charge of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, Sood secured a comfortable win with 68,986 votes. His role as the BJP’s in-charge for Goa and co-in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir underscores the party’s confidence in his organisational skills. His governance experience at the municipal level could bolster his chances if the party opts for a candidate with grassroots administrative expertise.  

Vijender Gupta: Three-time Rohini MLA Vijender Gupta has been a prominent figure in Delhi’s BJP unit. With a margin of over 37,000 votes in his latest victory, Gupta’s legislative experience sets him apart. As a former Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, he has played a key role in challenging AAP’s policies. His familiarity with Delhi’s governance structure and legislative processes makes him a strong contender.  

Satish Upadhyay: Malviya Nagar MLA and former Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay is also in the reckoning. Known for his close association with the RSS, Upadhyay has previously served as vice-chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and co-in-charge of the BJP’s Madhya Pradesh unit. His experience in both electoral politics and party organisation could work in his favour, especially if the leadership seeks a candidate with deep institutional knowledge.  

Shikha Roy: Should BJP opt for a woman chief minister, Shikha Roy, the newly elected MLA from Greater Kailash, could be a strong choice. Roy, who defeated AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj by 3,188 votes, has been instrumental in strengthening the BJP’s base in South Delhi. Her organisational skills and direct connect with the electorate bolster her political credentials, particularly in the wake of her victory over a senior AAP leader.  

Manoj Tiwari: Amid speculation that the BJP may look beyond its newly elected MLAs, North-East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari has emerged as a possible pick. A key Purvanchali face for the party, Tiwari played a significant role in mobilising Delhi’s migrant voters. His tenure as Delhi BJP president and influence among the Purvanchali community make him a strategic choice should the party prioritise voter outreach over legislative experience.  

Rekha Gupta: Shalimar Bagh MLA Rekha Gupta, who secured victory with a margin of over 29,000 votes, is another woman leader in the mix. With a strong foothold among women voters and extensive organisational experience within the party, Gupta could be considered if the BJP seeks to prioritise gender representation in its leadership.  

Harsh Malhotra: East Delhi MP and Union Minister Harsh Malhotra is among the surprise names being discussed. A seasoned politician with ministerial experience, Malhotra enjoys strong ties with the BJP’s central leadership. Should the party opt for a leader with a broader administrative background rather than a Delhi-specific profile, he could emerge as a consensus candidate.