The countdown for forming a new government in Delhi has begun, with the anticipation heightened after PM Modi's return from his U.S. tour. An announcement regarding the new Chief Minister may soon be expected. According to sources, the swearing-in ceremony might take place on February 19 or 20, and a BJP legislative assembly meeting could happen on February 17 or 18. 15 names have been selected from the 48 BJP legislators, and 9 will be shortlisted to finalize roles such as Chief Minister, Minister, and Speaker.
Among the discussed names are Rekha Gupta, Parvesh Verma, Mohan Singh Bisht, Vijender Gupta, Satish Upadhyay, Ashish Sood, Shikha Rai, and Pawan Sharma. Speculations abound, but as seen in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi and Amit Shah might surprise everyone in Delhi too. Let’s explore why these names are making headlines...
1- Rekha Gupta-
Coming from an RSS background, Rekha is a first-time legislator from the Shalimar Bagh seat, having been a three-time councilor in the Delhi Municipal Corporation.
2- Shikha Rai-
Shikha has been elected thrice, notably defeating Delhi Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in Greater Kailash.
3- Parvesh Verma-
Gained attention by defeating Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat elections, serving as both MLA and MP twice. He is the son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma.
4- Mohan Singh Bisht-
A Pahadi Rajput and six-time legislator originally from Uttarakhand, associated with RSS since his student days.
5- Vijender Gupta-
A three-time consecutive legislator, former Delhi BJP president, and current member of BJP’s national executive body.
6- Satish Upadhyay-
Known as a Brahmin face and a first-time legislator, he has served as Delhi BJP’s state president.
7- Ashish Sood-
Experienced his first legislative success and is overseer of BJP activities in Goa, also serving as co-in-charge in Jammu & Kashmir.
8- Pawan Sharma-
Elected from Uttar Nagar, he remains somewhat out of the limelight.
Readying a Name Change for Mohalla Clinics
Amidst this, a transformation plan is underway for Kejriwal’s major project, the Mohalla Clinics. Delhi's new BJP government aims to rename and restructure them, potentially branding them as Ayushman Arogya Temples.
Central Government to Seek Report on Mohalla Clinics
The central government will request a report from Delhi's new health minister on the status of Mohalla Clinics and assess the feasibility of converting them into Ayushman Arogya Temples. This report will also review health services provided and corruption allegations. In January, Delhi LG VK Saxena ordered a CBI investigation into alleged fake diagnostic tests at the clinics. Additionally, Delhi and West Bengal governments have yet to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Action in BJP Even Before Government Formation
Before even forming the government, the BJP appears to be in action. Challenges may increase for senior AAP leader and former minister Satyendra Jain. The Ministry of Home Affairs has requested presidential permission to prosecute Jain under section 218 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023. Moreover, with the CAG report in the spotlight, troubles could escalate for Kejriwal, Sisodia, and several senior AAP leaders.
