BJP Poised for a Historic Comeback in Delhi

As vote counting for the 2025 Delhi Assembly Election unfolds, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on track for a decisive victory, marking its return to power in Delhi after 27 years. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP is currently leading in 48 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is trailing with 22 seats in the battle for 70 constituencies.

With the AAP government facing a massive setback, the focus now shifts to the biggest question—Who will be the next Chief Minister of Delhi?

BJP’s Strategy: No Pre-Election CM Face

Unlike the AAP and Congress, the BJP traditionally does not announce a Chief Ministerial candidate before Assembly elections. Instead, the party’s central leadership makes the final call after securing a majority.

Several top BJP leaders from Delhi are in contention for the CM post, including Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, Dushyant Gautam, Ramesh Bidhuri, Satish Upadhyay, and Lovely Arvinder Singh. However, the BJP has often surprised analysts by picking relatively unknown leaders for CM positions in various states.

Potential BJP CM Candidates in Delhi

Here’s a look at the top contenders:

1. Dushyant Gautam – BJP’s Dalit Face            

Dushyant Gautam, a prominent Dalit leader and BJP’s national general secretary, has a strong grassroots presence in Delhi. He contested from Karol Bagh but is currently trailing against AAP MLA Vishesh Ravi by 8,171 votes. His influence within the party and appeal among Dalit voters make him a strong contender.

2. Parvesh Verma – Legacy of a Former CM

Son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, Parvesh Verma is among the top contenders for the CM post. He contested against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, where the margin remains tight, with a difference of just 430 votes.

3. Vijender Gupta – The Experienced BJP Leader

Vijender Gupta, a senior BJP leader and former Delhi BJP president, has consistently challenged AAP’s dominance in Delhi. He won from the Rohini constituency in 2015 and 2020, despite the AAP wave. Currently, he is leading by 14,588 votes against AAP’s Pardeep Mittal, making him a strong contender for CM.

4. Ramesh Bidhuri – The BJP Veteran

Ramesh Bidhuri, a former two-term MP from South Delhi and a three-time Delhi MLA, is another key contender. However, he is currently trailing by 3,521 votes against AAP’s Atishi in the Kalkaji seat, which could impact his chances.

5. Lovely Arvinder Singh – Congress Turned BJP Leader

A surprise name in the race is Lovely Arvinder Singh, who switched from Congress to BJP before the elections. Contesting from Gandhi Nagar, he is currently leading by 5,264 votes against AAP’s Naveen Chaudhary (Deepu). His political experience and cross-party appeal could work in his favor.

6. Satish Upadhyay – BJP's Organizational Leader

A former Delhi BJP president, Satish Upadhyay has been instrumental in strengthening the party’s base in the capital. He contested from Malviya Nagar and is currently leading by 4,428 votes against AAP’s Somnath Bharti.

7. Rekha Gupta & Shikha Rai – BJP’s Women Candidates

If BJP wants to make history by appointing Delhi’s first woman Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta and Shikha Rai are strong contenders. The party may take a progressive approach by selecting a female leader for the top job.

Could BJP Spring a Surprise?

The BJP has a history of picking unexpected candidates for CM posts. With Delhi being a key political battleground, the final decision will depend on party dynamics, caste equations, and political strategy.

Who will emerge as the next Chief Minister of Delhi? Stay tuned as BJP’s leadership makes its historic decision!