AAP will not contest mayoral poll (Image Source)
New Delhi: Ahead of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) mayoral election, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken a major decision. The party has announced that it will not contest the mayoral election this time.
Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that the party is deliberately staying away from the election to give the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) an opportunity to govern the MCD, thereby allowing its style of functioning to be exposed to the public.
He claims that the BJP already holds power at various levels but has failed to deliver results in Delhi.
In the 250-member MCD, the Bharatiya Janata Party holds 123 councilors, placing it in a strong position. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party has 101 councilors. The remaining seats are held by other parties and independent candidates.
AAP has previously also opted to stay away from mayoral and deputy mayoral elections.
Elections for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and three members of the Standing Committee in the MCD are scheduled for April 29. The deadline for filing nominations has been set for 5:00 PM on April 23.
With this decision by AAP, the path has now become easier for the Bharatiya Janata Party. This move could also impact Delhi's politics in the future, as the BJP's role within the MCD is now likely to become even more dominant.
AAP's decision not to contest the election is being viewed as a strategic move. All eyes will now be on how the BJP performs within the MCD and whether or not it is able to live up to the public's expectations.
