Delhi CM race: Will BJP pick Jat, Dalit face
What's the story
After its recent electoral triumph, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to choose the new Chief Minister of Delhi.
The party won 48 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, leaving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with just 22 seats.
The selection process will be overseen by two central observers at a legislature party meeting on Sunday.
CM selection
Jat or Dalit leader likely to be Delhi's next CM
There is a growing consensus within the BJP for a Jat or Dalit leader to be made the next Chief Minister. This is because these communities have shown the BJP significant electoral support in recent elections.
Of the 48 BJP MLAs, 11 are from the Jat community and four from Scheduled Caste segments, a first in a decade.
Political strategy
BJP's CM decision influenced by upcoming Bihar elections
The BJP's choice for the new CM is also affected by the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The party wishes to maintain a caste balance in its leadership.
None of the BJP-ruled states have a CM from either Jat or Dalit communities.
Among those in the race are Parvesh Verma, Rekha Gupta, Ashish Sood, Satish Upadhyay, and Shikha Roy.
Final approval
PM Modi's approval required for final CM decision
The final call on the new CM needs the nod of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is likely to return from his US visit on Saturday.
The new government is expected to take charge before February 26 when the current Assembly term ends.
To represent Delhi's diverse demographics, the BJP may introduce a government of one CM and two Dy CMs, a model adopted in other states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Frontrunner
Ashish Sood considered frontrunner for Delhi CM position
Ashish Sood is seen as a frontrunner for the CM post owing to his long association with the party and recent win from Janakpuri.
Candidates with a "clean public image" and those under 60 years of age will be preferred in the selection process.
The final decision on Delhi's new CM hopes to ensure the representation of different communities while keeping political strategies intact for future elections.