The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a historic win in the 2025 Delhi assembly elections, breaking the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) dominance and clinching 48 out of 70 seats. As the party prepares to form the government, all eyes are on who will be chosen as the next Chief Minister of Delhi. A crucial meeting of the newly elected BJP MLAs is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, where the chief ministerial candidate is expected to be revealed. The new CM will take their oath on February 20 at Ramlila Maidan, in the presence of several prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Despite the BJP’s clear victory, the identity of the next Delhi Chief Minister remains a mystery. Several key leaders have emerged as frontrunners for the post, each with their own political credentials and public support. Here’s a closer look at some of the top contenders for the coveted role.
1. Parvesh Verma: The Giant Killer
Parvesh Verma has become a significant name in BJP’s Delhi leadership after defeating incumbent Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the high-profile New Delhi constituency. Born into a political family, Verma is the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma. Having served as an MLA since 2013 and a Member of Parliament for West Delhi in 2014 and 2019, Verma’s political career has seen impressive wins. His recent victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, where he defeated Kejriwal by a margin of over 4,000 votes, has solidified his position as one of the top contenders for the Chief Minister’s post.
2. Vijender Gupta: A Seasoned Leader
Vijender Gupta, a seasoned BJP politician and former president of the Delhi BJP, has been a consistent performer in Delhi politics. In the 2025 elections, Gupta secured his third consecutive victory from the Rohini constituency, defeating AAP’s Pradeep Mittal by a large margin of 37,816 votes. With his deep roots in the party and his leadership experience, Gupta has positioned himself as a strong contender for the Chief Ministerial position.
3. Satish Upadhyay: The Veteran Politician
Another veteran BJP leader, Satish Upadhyay, has been a key figure in Delhi’s political landscape for several decades. He has served as the president of Delhi BJP and played a pivotal role in party initiatives in the capital. Upadhyay secured a significant victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, defeating AAP’s Somnath Bharti in Malviya Nagar, an area that had been dominated by AAP for years.
4. Virendra Sachdeva: The BJP Strategist
Virendra Sachdeva, who took over as the Delhi BJP president in March 2023, played a crucial role in strategizing the BJP’s successful 2025 Delhi Assembly campaign. Sachdeva, who has led several initiatives for the party, may be considered a potential candidate for the Chief Minister’s position, although he has emphasized that the central leadership will make the final decision.
5. Harish Khurana: A Rising Star
Harish Khurana, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana, made a strong debut in the 2025 elections by contesting from the Moti Nagar constituency. His deep political connections and leadership within the Delhi BJP helped him secure a decisive victory against AAP’s Shivcharan Goel. Khurana’s ties to Delhi’s political legacy make him a significant name to watch in the race for the Chief Minister’s post.
6. The Possibility of a ‘Dark Horse’
While the above names are the frontrunners for Delhi’s Chief Ministership, many believe that the BJP may choose an unexpected candidate, much like it did in several other states, such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. A “dark horse” candidate could emerge from the newly elected MLAs, surprising everyone with their selection.
Conclusion: The Awaited Decision
The suspense surrounding the next Chief Minister of Delhi continues as the BJP prepares to make its choice. Whether it’s Parvesh Verma, a seasoned veteran like Vijender Gupta, or a surprise candidate, the final decision will significantly shape Delhi’s political landscape in the coming years. As BJP supporters eagerly await the announcement, it remains to be seen who will lead the capital after the party’s historic win.
