Following a decisive win in the Delhi assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is weighing options for its new chief minister. With 48 out of 70 seats, the BJP has ended a 26-year wait to regain power in Delhi, displacing Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The BJP is considering various candidates for the role, possibly opting for a woman CM, along with the inclusion of socially representative leaders in the cabinet.

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• BJP’s victory in Delhi has opened discussions on the next chief minister, with a woman candidate in consideration.
• The party is evaluating options based on political advantages: Purvanchal, Sikh, or female representation.
• BJP is expected to choose from its newly elected MLAs, including Rekha Gupta, Shikha Roy, Poonam Sharma, Neelam Pehalwan, and Smriti Irani.
• Rekha Gupta, Shalimar Bagh MLA and BJP women’s wing VP, emerges as a top contender after a significant victory margin.
• Shikha Roy, who won against AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj, is also a strong candidate for the role.
• Neelam Pehalwan from Najafgarh, with over 100,000 votes, also remains in the running.
• Smriti Irani, despite a loss in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is considered a viable choice for the CM post.
• If a woman is chosen, she will join a small group of female CMs in Delhi’s history.
• BJP insiders are also considering other names like Vijender Gupta, Ajay Mahawar, and Kapil Mishra.
• A swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held after PM Modi’s return from the US, with a grand event planned for the occasion.