Delhi CM Oath Ceremony To See Scores Of Celebs Attending Ramlila Maidan Event On Thursday

The new Chief Minister of Delhi will take the oath of office at the iconic Ramlila Maidan on Thursday in a grand ceremony that is set to be attended by BJP leaders, ministers, and various allies.

An NDTV report indicates that plans are underway to make the BJP's return to power in the national capital after 26 years a remarkable event.

The ceremony will commence at 4.30 pm.

Prior to the swearing-in, a vibrant musical programme will be held on the stage at Ramlila Maidan, featuring a performance by Kailash Kher.

Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from 20 states will be present at this major event. Diplomats from several key countries have also been invited. BJP leaders and workers from other states, who campaigned in the Delhi elections, are expected to attend as well.

More than 50 film stars and industrialists will be in attendance. Additionally, farmers from Delhi, beneficiaries of central government schemes, including the Laadli Sisters, and common people from Delhi will be invited to the ceremony.

Spiritual leaders such as Baba Ramdev, Swami Chidananda, Baba Bageshwar Dhirendra Shastri, and other religious figures will represent the spiritual community.

However, there has been no announcement yet on who will assume the top position. Initially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to France and the US delayed the decision. But now, even two days after his return, no announcement has been made, heightening the suspense.

While Parvesh Verma - the son of former Chief Minister Saheb Singh Verma - is considered the front-runner, sources suggest that the list of potential candidates includes no fewer than 15 names, which also include those being considered for cabinet roles and the Assembly Speaker.

Sources indicate that nine names will be selected, with Delhi expected to have eight ministers, including the Chief Minister.

The 48 BJP MLAs are expected to meet on Wednesday to choose their leader, who will succeed Aam Aadmi Party's Atishi.

In the elections held earlier this month, the BJP made a remarkable comeback, winning 48 out of the assembly's 70 seats, while the AAP was reduced to 22 - down from 62.

The end of AAP's 10-year rule came after serious corruption allegations were levelled against its leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Several of its leaders, including Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia, spent months in jail.

The AAP's downfall was not only attributed to the alleged liquor policy scam but also to the "Sheesh Mahal" allegations against Kejriwal - a ₹33.6 crore renovation of the Chief Minister's official residence that transformed it into a lavish mansion fit for the wealthy.

This scandal appeared to tarnish the AAP's reputation, which had previously thrived on its governance record over the past decade.