Delhi MCD Ward Polls Underway: AAP Wins 3 Zones, BJP Wins 1 Unopposed

New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) ward committee elections are underway, marking the end of a 19-month delay. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has secured unopposed victories in the City SP, Karol Bagh, and Rohini zones, with the BJP also achieving an unopposed win in the Keshavpuram zone. Initial results show significant successes for both parties, with AAP dominating in three zones and BJP marking a notable achievement in Keshavpuram.

BJP Secures Keshavpuram Zone Unopposed

In Keshavpuram, the BJP won without opposition, holding 13 councillors against AAP's 2. The key positions in this zone are filled by:

• Chairman: Yogesh Verma (Ward No. 64)
• Deputy Chairman: Sushil (Ward No. 67)
• Standing Committee Member: Shikha Bharadwaj (Ward No. 58)

BJP MP Chandolia Criticizes Delhi Mayor

BJP MP Yogender Chandolia, who was present at the Civic Centre to support BJP candidates, criticized Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi. Chandolia stated, “The Mayor has made every attempt possible to postpone these elections. She does not care if Delhi’s civic amenities are getting worse due to her electoral tactics. She refused to nominate presiding officers yesterday, due to which the LG had to appoint the district commissioners to act as presiding officers. It is a shame that her pictures will be put up in this building next to revolutionary leaders like Aruna Asaf Ali.”

Polls in Other Zones

While BJP's unopposed win in Keshavpuram and AAP's victories in Karol Bagh and City SP have been notable, the elections are also proceeding in other zones. Voting is being held under heightened security at the Civic Centre, with results from remaining zones expected later today.

Voting Process and Zones

• Voting Clusters: Elections are conducted in two clusters. Councillors from five zones vote together, while the remaining zones vote separately.
• Voting Locations:

1. MCD zones Rohini, Najafgarh, West, South, and Central are voting at the Hansraj Gupta Auditorium.
2. Shahdara South, Shahdara North, Civil Lines, and Narela are voting in Satya Narayan Bansal Auditorium.

Delayed Elections After MCD Unification

• First Election Post-Unification: This is the first election following the MCD's unification in 2022.
• Political Deadlock: The election was delayed due to a political deadlock between AAP and BJP, making the matter subjudice.
• Secret Ballot: The election is being conducted through a secret ballot, according to the Delhi Municipal Corporation Regulations, 1958.

Heightened Security Measures

• Anticipated Conflict: Security has been increased at the Civic Centre due to potential conflicts between AAP and BJP.
• Security Deployment: A company of paramilitary personnel and local police have been deployed to ensure order.
• Councillor Statements:

1. BJP Councillor Yogesh Verma expressed confidence, stating, "We have full faith that the election will be conducted peacefully and the ward committee will be formed."
2. AAP Councillor Amrit Jain raised concerns, saying, "I don't know what's going to happen. These BJP people can do anything. The LG is constantly troubling us but what can we do? We are helpless. They have put the chief minister in jail."

LG's Last-Minute Intervention

• LG's Directive: On Tuesday evening, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena directed the MCD commissioner to appoint deputy commissioners as presiding officers after Mayor Shelly Oberoi refused to do so.
• Mayor's Refusal: Oberoi argued that the election schedule deprived eligible councillors of their right to file nominations and requested an additional week for nominations.
• Polls to Proceed: The LG's intervention, utilizing special powers under the DMC Act, ensured that the elections proceed as planned.