NEW DELHI: The swearing-in ceremony for Delhi’s new Chief Minister is expected to take place on February 19 or 20, according to government sources. The BJP’s legislative party meeting might take place on February 17 or 18. Preparations for forming the new government will pick up speed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns to Delhi late on Friday.

A high-level meeting will be held with PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and other senior leaders to finalize the details. The BJP is planning a grand oath-taking ceremony, with Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium being considered as the main venue. However, other locations like Ramlila Maidan and the banks of the Yamuna River are also being taken into consideration.

Several names are being discussed for the Chief Minister’s post. Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat, is a strong contender. Other potential candidates include senior BJP leader Vijender Gupta, former Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay, party general secretary Ashish Sood, and Jitendra Mahajan, who has close ties with the RSS.

The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years has created a celebratory mood within the party. Many party workers are eager to attend the swearing-in event. The final venue is yet to be decided, but Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is favored due to its accessibility and VIP seating arrangements. The ceremony is expected to have top dignitaries, including PM Modi, Union ministers, and chief ministers from BJP-led states.

Over 200 MPs, former MPs, and 700 vistaraks who played a key role in the elections are also likely to be present. BJP leaders are also discussing the appointment of a deputy chief minister, with possible candidates from key voter communities like Bania, Punjabi, and Poorvanchali. The new cabinet will include the chief minister and six ministers.

The BJP secured a major victory in the February 5 Delhi elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats. AAP managed to win only 22 seats, while Congress did not secure any. Following AAP’s defeat, Atishi submitted her resignation as Chief Minister to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. However, she will continue in the role until the new government is formed.