The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to make a grand statement as it returns to power in Delhi after a 26-year hiatus. The party is planning an extravagant oath ceremony for its new Chief Minister (CM), which promises to be an event of unprecedented scale. Sources close to the party have confirmed that the venue for the ceremony will likely be Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, a site symbolic of major national events.
Star-Studded Guest List
The BJP will send invitations to more than 200 Members of Parliament (MPs) and former MPs of the party, as well as its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Apart from that, everyone who had a role in the party’s Delhi campaign will also be invited. Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of the different NDA-ruled states are likely to be there.
The oath-taking ceremony and legislative party meeting will probably be held after February 16, once Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his overseas tour. Sources state that an observer will be made for Delhi shortly after Modi’s return to monitor the proceedings.
Probable Appointment of Two Deputy CM
Party discussions are also on to give the post of Deputy Chief Minister along with the newly-elected CM. The BJP is mulling a seven-member cabinet with the CM. Besides these, two MLAs can be assigned to high-profile positions like Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip, and Deputy Whip, among others, like in the Delhi Jal Board and Women’s Commission.
Reflecting Delhi’s Diversity: Two Deputy CMs in the Pipeline
The BJP may follow a similar strategy used in other states it governs, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, by appointing two Deputy Chief Ministers. Media reports suggest that this decision is aimed at better representing Delhi’s diverse demographics, which played a key role in the party’s success. The possible Deputy CMs would represent significant groups like Punjabis, Sikhs, Purvanchalis, Uttarakhandis, Vaishyas, and Jats, all of whom are critical to the BJP’s base.
While negotiations are on, the final call on the Delhi CM and the nominated Deputy CMs is likely to be made once PM Modi returns.
