With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) making a resounding comeback in Delhi, speculation is mounting over who will assume the chief ministerial post. The 2025 Delhi Assembly election results, declared by the Election Commission of India on February 8, saw the BJP unseating the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in a decisive victory, securing 48 out of 70 seats. However, all eyes are now on the party’s choice for the top post in the capital.
Leading Contenders: Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Pawan Sharma
Among the frontrunners is Parvesh Verma, the son of late former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma. His remarkable victory over Arvind Kejriwal in the prestigious New Delhi assembly constituency has positioned him as a strong contender. Verma’s political lineage and electoral performance have amplified calls for his elevation to the chief ministerial role.
Other prominent names in the running include Ashish Sood and Pawan Sharma, both of whom have emerged as influential leaders within the BJP’s Delhi unit.
- Ashish Sood, who secured a significant win from Janakpuri with 68,986 votes, has an extensive administrative background, having previously served in the South Delhi Municipal Corporation under BJP rule. His organizational acumen is further reinforced by his role as BJP’s in-charge for Goa and co-in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir.
- Pawan Sharma, a seasoned party strategist, clinched a massive victory in Uttam Nagar with 1,03,613 votes. Currently serving as BJP’s co-in-charge for Assam, Sharma is viewed as a strong administrator and a viable contender for the chief ministerial position.
Other Key Names in the Race
Several other senior BJP leaders are also being considered for the role, including former Delhi BJP presidents Vijender Gupta and Satish Upadhyay.
- Vijender Gupta, a three-time MLA from Rohini, secured a commanding victory with a margin exceeding 37,000 votes. He has previously served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly.
- Satish Upadhyay, a former vice-chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), won the Malviya Nagar seat with over 39,000 votes. Known for his close association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Upadhyay also serves as BJP’s co-in-charge for Madhya Pradesh.
Could BJP Pick a Woman Chief Minister?
Amid the speculation, BJP leaders have not ruled out the possibility of appointing a woman as Delhi’s chief minister. Rekha Gupta and Shikha Roy are among the female leaders who could be considered for the top post.
- Shikha Roy made headlines by defeating AAP heavyweight Saurabh Bharadwaj in Greater Kailash with a margin of 3,188 votes.
- Rekha Gupta secured a decisive victory against AAP’s Bandana Kumari in Shalimar Bagh, winning by over 29,000 votes.
An Outsider as CM? The Possibility of an MP Taking Charge
Some party insiders suggest that if the BJP opts for a leader from outside the legislative party, certain Members of Parliament could be in the fray. Possible choices include Union Minister and East Delhi MP Harsh Malhotra and North-East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari, a prominent Purvanchali face in the BJP.
Central Leadership Holds the Final Say
Despite the growing speculation, BJP leaders caution that the final decision rests with the party’s central leadership. A senior BJP leader, speaking to PTI, pointed out that in previous instances—such as in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh—the party has chosen unexpected candidates for the chief ministerial role.
"You never know… The national leadership may introduce a fresh face who aligns with the party’s vision and is capable of delivering on the high expectations of Delhi’s people," the leader remarked.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva reaffirmed that the decision would be taken by the party’s top brass, ensuring that the selection aligns with BJP’s broader strategic objectives for the capital.
As deliberations continue, the BJP’s next move will be crucial in shaping the governance of Delhi in the post-Kejriwal era.
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