The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) managed only 22 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 48 seats. Congress did not win any seats. This political shift is now evident in the Delhi Municipal Corporation. Although AAP governs MCD, the new political dynamics have reduced its strength, while BJP has gained ground.
For context, eight councillors from BJP have become legislators, with three councillors from AAP also achieving victory. In the MCD's 250-member house, AAP holds 117 council seats, BJP holds 112, and Congress has 7 seats. This leaves only a five-seat difference between AAP and BJP. When combined with Congress, the opposition holds 119 seats, giving it potential decisive influence over passing budget proposals introduced by the governing party. Congress's position remains cautious as the city unit keeps its strategy under wraps.
The Upcoming MCD Budget Could Be Contentious
For the past two and a half years, MCD’s most influential committee has not been formed, with the matter pending in court. Post special permission from the Lieutenant Governor, MCD Commissioner Ashwini Kumar will present the budget to the house, with an anticipated passage by February’s end.
The corporation secretariat estimates a budget of approximately ₹17,000 crore for 2025-26. Normally, the MCD Commissioner presents the budget in December. However, the absence of a standing committee has delayed this timeline significantly.
BJP Might Dominate Mayor and Standing Committee Chairmanships
With 117 council members for AAP and 112 for BJP, the margin is narrow. Additionally, MPs and legislators participate as voters in the mayoral elections. If held, BJP's 112 councillors, 14 nominated legislators, and 7 MPs will cast their votes, against AAP’s total of 121 including their 119 councillors and 2 MPs.
These numbers provide BJP with ample strength for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor race. The party is confident of presenting its mayoral candidate in April. BJP already holds a majority in the standing committee's recent elections, with 10 members compared to AAP's 8. Pending court resolution could further solidify BJP’s standing if favourable.
