After a 27-year hiatus, the BJP has made a remarkable comeback to power in Delhi. Despite dominating national politics for a decade, the party previously struggled to win in the capital. Running under the slogan 'Delhi Will Change,' the BJP achieved a transformative victory, defeating the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. Notably, even Arvind Kejriwal, who served as Delhi's Chief Minister for ten years, lost his seat in New Delhi. Several senior leaders from his party faced defeats as well.
Amidst this landslide victory, the selection of the BJP's next Chief Minister in Delhi is the subject of much speculation. While the decision remains unannounced, BJP did not declare a candidate before the elections. Therefore, the party's leadership, in agreement with the elected members, will ultimately endorse the new CM. Among the frontrunners is BJP leader Parvesh Verma, who defeated Kejriwal. Other names like Vijender Gupta, Ashish Sood, Mohan Singh Bisht, and Satish Upadhyay are also being discussed. Before finalizing the next CM, the BJP will factor in several elements to ensure smooth governance over the next five years and engage new voters beyond the party's core support base.
Source: aajtak
Regional Equations are Crucial
In his first speech following the BJP's victory in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the capital as 'Mini Hindustan.' This underscores the diverse voter base, including those from regions like Purvanchal, Haryana, the hills, and Punjab, each influencing different areas. Leaders like Manoj Tiwari exemplify how involvement in Delhi politics can lead to significant positions. Purvanchali voters from UP and Bihar are especially influential, affecting at least 20 seats. Additionally, the BJP performed exceptionally in about 10 seats bordering Haryana. From regions with over ten percent Punjabi voters, the BJP won 23 out of 28 seats.
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BJP might decide the Chief Minister based on these regional considerations, aiming for representation from across these communities after their convincing victory. Ajay Mahawar, returning from Ghonda, or Abhay Verma from Laxmi Nagar could be the party's choice. Mohan Singh Bisht, originally from Uttarakhand and now a six-time winner, is also a potential candidate. Punjabi faces like Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Ashish Sood are also in the CM race, possibly alongside a Deputy CM.
Source: aajtak
The Complexity of Caste Calculations
Caste dynamics play pivotal roles in elections. Parties select candidates based on the ethnic composition of regions. After a win, caste-based representation becomes crucial. Parvesh Verma, from the Jat community, is a major contender given the Jat dominance in 13 seats, winning 12 for the BJP. Having defeated Kejriwal, he's seen as a frontrunner for the position. Going beyond, Vijender Gupta, from the Vaishya community and twice Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, along with Satish Upadhyay from Malviya Nagar, emerge as potential Brahmin faces for the party. Notably, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a three-time Rajouri Garden winner and former head of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, might also swing the party in Punjab's forthcoming polls with his influence over Sikh voters.
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To balance these caste equations, BJP may look towards leaders like Rekha Gupta, victorious from Shalimar Bagh, especially if a female Chief Minister is sought, placing her in a strong contender position. Jitender Mahajan, also from the Vaishya community, might be another option. Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP president, represents a formidable choice due to his role in spearheading the recent successful elections and his organizational prowess.
