The elections are set for April 25.
During a press conference, former Delhi chief minister and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, stated, “The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) aims to serve as a robust opposition in the MCD as well. The BJP engaged in significant rigging during the MCD elections, yet it faced a substantial defeat. Despite this, they proceeded to poach all the councillors.” She emphasized that her party does not engage in the “politics of sabotage and horse-trading,” leading to their decision to abstain from the mayoral election.
“Now the BJP should establish its triple-engine government and deliver on its promises to the people of Delhi without excuses,” Atishi added.
Saurabh Bharadwaj, the chief of AAP’s Delhi unit, who was also at the press conference, accused the BJP of misconduct during the delimitation process.
“The BJP previously postponed the MCD elections. Wards were altered during delimitation. There was significant fraud and corruption involved. Even with all this, the BJP lost the election while AAP formed the government,” Bharadwaj remarked.
He further alleged that BJP councillors have attempted to disrupt MCD meetings.
“After much drama from BJP councillors and ongoing defections, we’ve decided not to field a candidate this time,” he noted.
The current strength of the BJP in the MCD has risen to 119 due to numerous defections from the AAP over recent months. MPs and MLAs nominated to the MCD are allowed to vote in the forthcoming elections.
According to a notice from the MCD Secretary’s Office, the corporation will hold its ordinary meeting on April 25, with elections for the mayor and deputy mayor planned for 2 pm.
