Delhi Elections: Who Will Be Delhi’s Next CM If BJP Wins? Check Top 10 Choices

Who Will Be Delhi CM: The exit polls have predicted a victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi, sparking excitement in the party. If the results match these predictions, the question of who will lead the government becomes crucial. BJP has several contenders for the Chief Minister's post, ranging from veteran leaders to new faces. The final decision will likely depend on caste representation, seniority, and political strategy. 

According to Axis My India, the AAP is expected to secure between 15 and 25 seats, while the BJP-led alliance (BJP+) may win 45 to 55 seats. The Congress, meanwhile, is projected to get between 0 and 1 seat. 

Chanakya Strategies estimated AAP’s tally at 25-28 seats, BJP+ at 39-44 seats, and Congress at 2-3 seats. 

Top Contenders for Delhi’s Next CM: One of the key names in the race is Dushyant Gautam, BJP’s national general secretary and a Dalit leader. He is contesting from the Karol Bagh reserved seat against AAP’s three-time MLA Vishesh Ravi. Gautam has served as a Rajya Sabha MP and was active in student politics. Despite previous electoral losses in 2008 and 2013 from Kondli, his senior position in the party and Dalit representation make him a strong contender. 

Another major name is Parvesh Verma, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma. He is contesting from the high-profile New Delhi seat against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. If he manages to defeat Kejriwal, he will emerge as a ‘giant killer’ and a natural choice for the CM’s post. His Jat background makes him a crucial player in BJP’s political calculations. Along with Verma, Harish Khurana, son of former Delhi CM Madan Lal Khurana, is also in the fray. He is contesting from Moti Nagar and could be considered if BJP looks for a leader with legacy appeal. 

Vijender Gupta is another senior leader in the race. He has won the Rohini seat in both 2015 and 2020 despite AAP’s dominance in Delhi. A former Delhi BJP chief, he has also served as Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. His experience and resilience against AAP’s electoral wave make him a strong contender for the top post. Similarly, Satish Upadhyay, former Delhi BJP chief and ex-vice chairperson of NDMC, is contesting from Malviya Nagar. His past leadership roles within the party could work in his favor. 

 

For a woman CM, Rekha Gupta and Shikha Rai are two key names. Rekha, a former MCD councillor and Delhi University Students’ Union president, is contesting from Shalimar Bagh, a seat she narrowly lost in 2020. Shikha Rai, on the other hand, is contesting from Greater Kailash against AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj. If BJP decides to push for a female leader, one of them could be in the reckoning. 

Another important Sikh face in the BJP is Manjinder Singh Sirsa, contesting from Rajouri Garden. He has won the seat twice, once on a BJP ally Akali Dal ticket. Sirsa, formerly a close aide of Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal, has played a key role in BJP’s outreach to the Sikh community. His national profile and past role as Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president make him a strong candidate for a major post if BJP wins. 

Ravinder Singh Negi, contesting from Patparganj, is another name to watch. He had lost to AAP’s Manish Sisodia in the past by a narrow margin. A leader from Uttarakhand, Negi enjoys Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support and could be rewarded with a key role. His seat has a significant Purvanchal voter base, making him a crucial figure in BJP’s Delhi strategy. 

A prominent Hindutva face in the race is Kapil Mishra, a former AAP leader who switched to BJP. Once a minister in Kejriwal’s cabinet, he is now BJP’s Delhi vice president and contesting from Karawal Nagar. His aggressive stance against AAP and strong Hindutva appeal make him a potential candidate for a major role in government formation. 

Former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot, another ex-AAP leader, is contesting from Bijwasan. He won from Najafgarh twice on an AAP ticket before joining BJP. His experience as a minister could make him a contender for an important post. 

Ramesh Bidhuri, a Gurjar leader and former MP, is another significant name. He is contesting against AAP’s Atishi Singh. Known for his outspoken style, Bidhuri has been a key BJP figure in Delhi politics. If he manages a big win, he could demand an important role in the government. 

BJP has a history of surprising people with its CM picks. It has previously chosen first-time MLAs and young leaders for top positions. In states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, BJP accommodated former MPs in cabinet roles. Given Delhi’s status as the national capital, the party might select a leader who can send a strong message across the country. 

The final choice will depend on caste representation, seniority, and political strategy. Will BJP go with an experienced leader or a fresh face? If the party wins tomorrow, the race for Delhi’s top post will begin in full swing.