AAP faces a critical challenge in upcoming MCD mayoral polls leading up to LS elections

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) – With the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, the focus in Delhi shifts to the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mayoral polls this month. All eyes are on whether this event will test the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as the capital gears up for this crucial showdown.
The MCD House, with 250 members, plays a significant role in Delhi’s politics. Currently, AAP holds the majority with 134 councillors, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 104 seats, including support from an Independent councillor, giving it a total of 105. The Congress has nine seats, and there are two independent councillors.
Mayor Shelly Oberoi, Deputy Mayor Aaley Iqbal, and Leader of the House Mukesh Goel hold important positions in the MCD. The question remains whether AAP leader Shelly Oberoi will retain the mayoral position or if a new face will represent the party.
After the arrest of AAP’s national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, this mayoral race has become intense. Despite AAP’s numerical advantage, the battle for the mayor’s seat has turned into a fierce political contest, especially since the events of 2023.
A controversy arose last year over the appointment of 10 Aldermen by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, leading to accusations of bias from AAP. The Aldermen, appointed by the L-G, provide expertise in civic matters to assist the MCD House, now under AAP’s leadership since January 2023 after three consecutive terms of BJP rule.
AAP criticized Saxena, alleging that the appointed Aldermen have BJP connections, raising concerns about the fairness of the selection process. The Supreme Court even weighed in, expressing reservations about the L-G’s power to nominate Aldermen in the MCD and its implications for the democratic process.
Sources within the MCD suggest a growing talk of “councillors jumping ship” following Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case. Additionally, frustration among MCD councillors stems from the absence of critical committees since AAP took office in December 2022.
AAP sources pointed out concerns regarding not just Kejriwal’s arrest but also the scrutiny faced by AAP-MCD in-charge Durgesh Pathak, summoned by the ED in connection with a liquor policy case. The Mayoral polls promise to be a significant event in Delhi’s political landscape as parties gear up for a tough battle.