The elections for the Ward Committee and one Standing Committee member from each zone of the Delhi Municipal Corporation, scheduled for Wednesday, have been postponed. MCD Mayor Dr. Shelly Oberoi refused to appoint a presiding officer, stating that her conscience does not allow her to participate in an undemocratic election process.
Mayor Oberoi mentioned that due to the short notice for nominations, several councilors were unable to file their papers and emphasized the necessity of providing sufficient time to ensure democratic fairness.
Mayor's Argument
She stated, 'It took five days for the municipal secretary to issue the election notification based on my instructions, so how can only one day be provided for filing nominations?'
She added that such a short timeframe for filing nominations has never been given in MCD's history. Mayor Oberoi has directed the commissioner to restart the election process with at least a week's notice for filing nominations.
Wednesday's Election Postponed
Although the election is not being held immediately due to the Mayor's refusal to appoint a presiding officer, it is certain that this issue will cause a stir. During the election, councilors may hold intense protests on the matter. Notably, the election for 12 ward committees was scheduled from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 4, with instructions issued by the municipal administration.
Read More: Delhi: Fear of Cross-Voting in MCD, Ward and Standing Committee Members to be Elected Tomorrow
In seven of the 12 zones of the Delhi Municipal Corporation, the BJP has a majority, while the Aam Aadmi Party holds a majority in five zones. However, due to the risk of cross-voting, both parties have kept a close watch on their councilors. The opposition BJP is particularly focused on the South Zone and Rohini Zone, where it does not hold a majority, yet has fielded its candidates. Similarly, the Aam Aadmi Party, despite having a majority in only five zones, has fielded candidates in all 11 zones, which has also created challenges for the BJP.
In seven of the 12 zones of the Delhi Municipal Corporation, the BJP has a majority, while the Aam Aadmi Party holds a majority in five zones. However, the threat of cross-voting has led both parties to closely monitor their councilors.