Delhi: MCD Standing Committee polls today after AAP-LG face-off
What's the story
The election for the last vacant position on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) Standing Committee will take place at 1:00pm on Friday. This decision follows a heated confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena over the date the election should be held. The LG had initially directed MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar to conduct the election by Thursday night, despite an earlier adjournment of the House meeting.
Election dispute
LG's directive sparks controversy, AAP alleges foul play
The House meeting was postponed until October 5 by Mayor Shelly Oberoi due to protests from councilors against security checks and a ban on mobile phones inside the chamber. However, Saxena later overturned this adjournment and insisted that the election proceed as planned on Thursday by 10:00pm. He further stated that if Oberoi refused to preside over it, then either the Deputy Mayor or the senior-most member should step in.
Press conference
AAP leader Sisodia criticizes LG's intervention
Following Saxena's directive, AAP leader Manish Sisodia held a late-night press conference demanding its withdrawal. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "murdering" democracy by pushing for a late-night election and alleged that Saxena's instructions were an attempt to conduct the election in the absence of AAP councilors. Drawing parallels with the recent Chandigarh mayoral poll, Sisodia also threatened legal action against this move.
Political shift
AAP's majority threatened by councilors' defection to BJP
The political scenario has been further complicated by the recent defection of three AAP councilors to the BJP. This move has reduced AAP's tally in the 250-member MCD House to 125, reducing its lead over the BJP, which now has 113 councilors. Five AAP members had defected to the saffron party last month as well. These developments have raised concerns about potential cross-voting that could impact AAP's control over the crucial panel.
Committee significance
Standing Committee's role and election implications
The Standing Committee, which oversees MCD's financial decisions and approves projects worth over ₹5 crore, currently comprises three AAP and two BJP members. The upcoming election is set to fill a vacancy left by BJP councilor Kamaljeet Sehrawat after his election to the Lok Sabha. This committee's formation will facilitate the election of a chairman and approval of at least 55 layout plans, along with several proposals related to sanitation and development works in Delhi.