Who Will Be Next Delhi CM? Not Just Parvesh Verma—7 More BJP Heavyweights In Fray

BJP Delhi CM Candidate: With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a decisive victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, speculation is mounting over the party’s choice for the chief ministerial post. The BJP cameback in power after winning 48 out of 70 seats, ousting the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which managed only 22 seats.

The BJP has secured power in Delhi after a 26-year gap, but the opposition has criticized the delay in forming the government. The new chief minister is likely to take oath after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his France-US visit.

Among the top contenders is Parvesh Verma, son of former Delhi chief minister Sahib Singh Verma. Verma emerged as the biggest name in these elections, pulling off a major upset by defeating Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. His strong RSS-backed lineage and experience as a two-time MP from West Delhi make him a formidable candidate. His victory over Kejriwal has given him significant political clout, positioning him as a frontrunner for the top post. 

Ashish Sood, a senior BJP leader and former in-charge of South Delhi Municipal Corporation, is another strong contender. Sood won from the Janakpuri assembly constituency with 68,986 votes. His administrative experience and leadership in municipal governance could work in his favor. Additionally, his role as BJP’s in-charge for Goa and co-in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir reflects the party’s trust in his organizational abilities. 

Former Delhi BJP president Vijender Gupta has also emerged as a strong possibility. Winning from Rohini for the third consecutive time with a margin of over 37,000 votes, Gupta has considerable legislative experience. He previously served as the leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and has been an influential voice against AAP policies. His familiarity with Delhi’s political landscape could give him an edge in the leadership race. 

Satish Upadhyay, another former Delhi BJP president, is also in contention after securing victory from the Malviya Nagar constituency. A close associate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Upadhyay is seen as a trusted party strategist. His past role as vice-chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and co-in-charge for the BJP’s Madhya Pradesh unit highlights his governance experience. His ties with the RSS leadership could be a decisive factor in his candidacy. 

If the BJP opts for a woman candidate, Shikha Roy could be a top choice. She defeated AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj in the Greater Kailash constituency by 3,188 votes. Roy, known for her organizational skills and ground connect, has been instrumental in strengthening BJP’s base in South Delhi. Her victory over an AAP heavyweight has elevated her political standing, making her a strong potential CM face. 

 

Another woman leader in the mix is Rekha Gupta, who won from Shalimar Bagh with a margin of over 29,000 votes against AAP’s Bandana Kumari. Gupta has served in multiple leadership roles within the party and has a strong foothold among women voters. If BJP decides to prioritize gender representation, she could be a serious contender for the chief ministerial post. 

Some BJP leaders suggest that the party may look beyond the legislative party for its CM pick. North-East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari, a key Purvanchali face, is being considered for the role. Tiwari, who played a crucial role in mobilizing Purvanchali voters, could be the BJP’s choice to consolidate this voter base. His influence in Delhi’s migrant community and his previous tenure as Delhi BJP chief add to his credentials. 

East Delhi MP and Union Minister Harsh Malhotra is another name doing the rounds. Malhotra, a seasoned politician with ministerial experience, could be a surprise pick if the party opts for a leader with a broader administrative background. His strong ties with the central BJP leadership and experience in governance could work in his favor. 

While the speculation continues, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has confirmed that the final decision on the chief ministerial post will be taken by the party’s central leadership. Given BJP’s history in other states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, the final pick could be unexpected. The political landscape in Delhi is set for a major transformation as BJP’s leadership weighs its options.