BJP Likely to Announce Delhi CM on February 19

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• BJP is likely to announce Delhi’s Chief Minister on February 19.
• The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held on February 20.
• 15 names have been shortlisted from 48 BJP legislators.
• Parvesh Verma is the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post.
• BJP has returned to power in Delhi after 27 years.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The BJP is likely to name Delhi’s Chief Minister on February 19 following a party legislature meeting, sources told India Today TV. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held on February 20. Out of 48 BJP legislators who won in the recently-concluded Delhi Assembly elections, 15 names have been shortlisted. Nine will be selected for key posts of the Chief Minister, state cabinet ministers and the Speaker. The Delhi CM race is now heating up.

BJP Returns After 27 Years

The BJP returned to power in Delhi after a long hiatus of 27 years, winning 48 seats in the 70-member strong Assembly. On the other hand, AAP managed to secure only 22 seats with its senior leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Saurabh Bharadwaj losing their bastions.

Potential Chief Ministerial Candidates

Since PM Narendra Modi’s return from the US, the BJP, which did not announce a Chief Ministerial candidate before the elections, has held high-profile meetings to select a leader from a list of potential candidates.

Parvesh Verma as Frontrunner

Parvesh Verma, being hailed as the giant killer after he defeated AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the hotly contested New Delhi seat, emerged as the frontrunner.

Parvesh Verma’s Statement

Just after the election win, when asked by India Today News Director Rahul Kanwal whether he saw himself as Delhi’s new Chief Minister, Parvesh Verma said that he would “happily” accept whatever the party high command decided.

“I’m a spiritual man. So I don’t get too happy and I don’t get too sad either. Whatever the party high command decides, I’ll accept that happily,” he said. The party is still deliberating on the Delhi CM position.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• BJP may announce Delhi’s Chief Minister on February 19.
• The swearing-in ceremony is likely on February 20.
• Parvesh Verma is the frontrunner for the CM post.
• BJP has returned to power in Delhi after 27 years.
• The party high command’s decision will be final.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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