Iqbal triumphed over Congress candidate Mandeep Singh to secure the top position in the civic body. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opted to boycott the mayoral election.
As Singh took his chair, BJP councillors celebrated with chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai. He won against Mandeep Singh (from Nangloi Ward 47) by obtaining 133 out of 142 votes. The BJP’s total was impacted by the absence of MP Manoj Tiwari, resulting in two missing votes, while one vote was considered invalid. The Congress managed to garner eight votes, with AAP officially announcing their boycott of the election on Monday.
“We intend to establish the Standing Committee within a month and will collaborate with the Delhi government to prevent any issues for the people. Our focus will be on enhancing park greenery, reducing corruption and pollution, and abolishing user charges immediately,” stated Iqbal Singh.
Read more: AAP to boycott MCD mayor elections scheduled for April 25
He also mentioned plans to “motivate” teachers, allocate funds for students’ uniforms, and upgrade school infrastructures. “The residents of Delhi have placed their trust in Prime Minister Modi and the BJP… We are dedicated to serving the city through the MCD and fulfilling our commitments. All eligible contractual workers under BMP will be regularized according to regulations,” he added.
Raja Iqbal Singh previously served as the Leader of the Opposition in the MCD and has held the position of Mayor of North MCD. He comes from a family with deep ties to the Akali Dal.
His father-in-law was a councillor from the GTB Nagar constituency, and his brother-in-law was also engaged in Akali politics. Iqbal Singh himself was an Akali Dal councillor from GTB Nagar and led the Civil Lines Zone of the corporation until September 2020.
Read more: Delhi govt employees on contract will get ₹800 crore for regularisation under MCD Budget
