Regional Dynamics, Caste Calculus, or a New Face...? These Factors Will Decide BJP's Next Chief Minister in Delhi

After a sweeping victory in Delhi, the BJP has begun its quest to appoint the next Chief Minister. This time, the party received votes from nearly every demographic and region and will be aiming to account for all equations while naming the Chief Minister.
How will the next CM be decided in Delhi?

Source: aajtak

After 27 years, the BJP has made a resounding comeback to power in Delhi. Despite ruling at the center for a decade, the BJP had been unable to win elections in the capital until this time, with their campaign slogan 'Delhi will be changed' leading them to victory. This success has dethroned the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, who lost his seat in New Delhi. Several major leaders of the party faced defeat in the polls.

The focus now shifts to who will be the next Chief Minister of Delhi, which remains undecided as the BJP had not announced a CM candidate before the elections. The decision will come after discussions with the elected members and then finalized by the party's top brass. Among the frontrunners is Parvesh Verma, who defeated Kejriwal. Additionally, names like Vijender Gupta, Ashish Sood, Mohan Singh Bisht, and Satish Upadhyay are being seriously considered. Before sealing the decision on the next CM, the BJP will weigh several factors to ensure smooth governance for the next five years and broaden its base of new voters beyond its core support.

Sweeping victory in Delhi prompts BJP to start decision-making for the next Chief Minister. With votes from all walks of life, BJP aims to consider every factor in choosing the name.

Source: aajtak

Regional Dynamics Crucial

In his first speech post-victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Delhi as 'Mini Hindustan', acknowledging the myriad of regional voters like the Purvanchalis, Haryanvis, Paharis, and Punjabis, each impacting different zones. The thriving political journey of leaders like Manoj Tiwari highlights this trend. Particularly influential are the Purvanchali voters from UP and Bihar, playing a decisive role in at least 20 seats. BJP’s excellent performance was also evident in the 10 seats along the Haryana border. The party won 23 out of 28 seats with over 10% Punjabi voters.

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Given this, regional dynamics could also dictate the choice of the Chief Minister. After a decisive victory, the BJP wishes to represent every region in the cabinet and may focus on Purvanchali leaders like Ajay Mahawar from Ghonda, or Abhay Verma from Laxmi Nagar. Mohan Singh Bisht, originally from Uttarakhand and a six-time winner, is a potential candidate. Opting for Punjabi faces like Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Ashish Sood are factors considered for the Chief Minister race. Speculations suggest the appointment of a Deputy Chief Minister alongside the CM.

BJP gears up to decide on Delhi's next Chief Minister after a sweeping victory, intending to consider all equations from every segment in the decision-making process.

Source: aajtak

Caste Calculus in Play

Caste dynamics are regarded as crucial factors in election strategy. Parties field candidates based on local caste demographics, and victorious outcomes mandate representation along these lines. Parvesh Verma comes from the Jat community, representing 12 out of 13 Jat-majority seats. Following Kejriwal’s defeat, he is a primary contender. Vijender Gupta from the Vaishya community, who served twice as the Leader of the Opposition in Delhi, stands as another key contender. Satish Upadhyay from Malviya Nagar offers the party a Brahmin face. Manjinder Singh Sirsa's leadership of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee aligns with the plans for influencing Sikh voters in Punjab's next assembly elections.

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In structuring caste equations, the BJP is eyeing Rekha Gupta from Shalimar Bagh. If there's a movement for a female Chief Minister, she's a leading candidate. Another Vaishya community member, Jitender Mahajan, stands as a party option. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva is also a formidable candidate, as elections were conducted under his leadership, demonstrating his firm organizational grip.

After a conclusive triumph, BJP moves to determine the next Chief Minister for Delhi, accounting for all community rewards in the process.

Source: aajtak

An Unexpected Face

This factor introduces a level of unpredictability. The BJP is known for its strategic surprises, such as in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, where it appointed unexpected leaders as CMs. A similar scenario unfolded in Odisha with the appointment of Mohan Charan Majhi. It would not be surprising if a relatively lesser-known BJP legislator emerges as Delhi's next Chief Minister. There's also speculation that the BJP might consider one of its MPs for the CM position, although this could be a complicated decision for the party.

The decision regarding Delhi's new CM might take some time. With PM Modi currently on a foreign tour till Monday, a final call on the Chief Minister will follow after his return. Maintaining suspense, BJP Delhi in-charge Jai Panda indicated that it would take at least ten days post-results to finalize the Chief Minister's announcement. Who the BJP will ultimately endorse remains to be seen with time.

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