The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) is holding by-elections for 12 councilor seats, with the most attention on the Muslim-majority Chandni Mahal seat in Matia Mahal. For three decades, this seat has been under the influence of former prominent Delhi leader and MLA Shoaib Iqbal's family. This is a critical test not only for political parties but also for Muslim leaders.
With the announcement of the by-election in Chandni Mahal ward, former MLA Shoaib Iqbal left the Aam Aadmi Party as they nominated a candidate against his wishes. Consequently, Shoaib Iqbal’s MLA son, Ale Mohammed Iqbal, is also operating outside party lines. In this altered political landscape, former MLA Asim Ahmed Khan has rejoined the Aam Aadmi Party.
The voting for the 12 MCD councilor seats is on November 30, with results to be announced on December 3. This by-election is deemed as a litmus test ahead of the 2027 municipal elections. It’s also the first election under the BJP-led government, headed by Rekha Gupta, in Delhi, placing the reputation of all involved at stake.
The Contest in Chandni Mahal
Shoaib Iqbal has been a six-time MLA from the Matia Mahal assembly seat. This time, he had his son Ale Iqbal contest from the Aam Aadmi Party, who then won the election. Due to Ale Iqbal becoming an MLA, a by-election is now taking place in the Chandni Mahal ward where he served as a councilor. When the Aam Aadmi Party held the mayor's office in MCD, Ale Iqbal was the deputy mayor.
Shoaib Iqbal wanted his preferred candidate in the by-election. Failing to secure a ticket from the Aam Aadmi Party, he left and is backing Mohammad Imran of the All India Forward Bloc. The Aam Aadmi Party has fielded its old worker, Mudassir Usman, while Congress has put forth Kunwar Shahzad Ahmed and the BJP has nominated Sunil Sharma.
Shoaib Iqbal's Real Test
When the Aam Aadmi Party didn't select Shoaib Iqbal's candidate for the Chandni Mahal seat, he left the party and now is vigorously supporting Imran. The Chandni Mahal ward is part of the Matia Mahal assembly seat, over which Shoaib Iqbal has long held sway.
Since 1993, except for the 2015 assembly election, Shoaib Iqbal has consistently won from Matia Mahal. His son, Ale Iqbal, is the current MLA from this seat and was a councilor from Chandni Mahal before assuming this role. Shoaib Iqbal intends to maintain his political influence in this region at all costs. That's why he parted ways with the party when they nominated a candidate against his wishes.
Former MLA Shoaib Iqbal is now aiming to reaffirm his dominance by ensuring Mohammad Imran’s win in Chandni Mahal. His son, Ale Iqbal, is also fully committed to this cause, moving away from the Aam Aadmi Party's stance. However, parties like Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party are designing a political labyrinth to undermine Shoaib Iqbal’s dominance.
Will AAP Retain Its Power?
The Aam Aadmi Party aims to break Shoaib Iqbal’s dominance by electing its candidate, Mudassir Usman, in Chandni Mahal. Consequently, the party has reintegrated Asim Ahmed Khan, who defeated Shoaib Iqbal in the Matia Mahal seat in 2015. Asim Ahmed Khan and Shoaib Iqbal are considered adversaries.
After corruption charges ensnared Asim, Kejriwal expelled him from the party, allowing Shoaib Iqbal to join the Aam Aadmi Party. He became an MLA in 2020 and later helped his son become an MLA in 2025, pushing Asim Ahmed Khan politically to the sidelines. Asim is working hard to ensure AAP's victory in the by-election to secure his ticket for the next assembly election. Additionally, the party is engaging Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan and Ballimaran MLA Imran Hussain to secure a win in Chandni Mahal.
Congress Counting on Muslim Votes
Congress has fielded Kunwar Shahzad Ahmed for the Chandni Mahal seat. In 2022, their candidate, Mohammad Hamid, received only 2,065 votes. Consequently, the party has changed its candidate this time. Asim Khan’s departure has dealt a significant blow to Congress.
Securing Muslim votes presents a formidable challenge for Congress. To address this, they have mobilized all their Muslim leaders in Delhi to transform the Chandni Mahal election into a triangular contest. Congress leaders are leaving no stone unturned.
BJP's Lotus Blooming in Muslim Dominated Area?
The BJP has nominated Sunil Sharma for the Muslim-majority Chandni Mahal seat. Their entire minority front has gathered to back Sunil Sharma's win. Three Muslim candidates are vying from Congress, AAP, and the All India Forward Bloc. Amidst such strong Muslim representation from these parties, the BJP holds onto its hope for victory.
This election represents the first test for the BJP after forming the government under Rekha Gupta's leadership in Delhi. Thus, Rekha Gupta is also investing her full efforts in winning the Chandni Mahal seat. In the previous election, both BJP and Congress lost their deposits. Observing how BJP manages to capture this councilor seat is awaited.
Who Will Muslim Votes Favor?
Over 80% of the voters in the Chandni Mahal councilor seat are Muslim. All political parties, except BJP, have fielded Muslim candidates. Therefore, the election is an actual test not just for the candidates but the political parties themselves. Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have deployed all their Muslim leaders in Delhi for this seat. This election's outcome will offer clear insights into who Delhi's Muslim population supports.
Muslims constitute over 12% of the voter base in Delhi, influencing victory in several areas. In the 2022 MCD election, Muslim votes largely aligned with Congress, excluding Old Delhi areas. This motivated Congress to attempt reclaiming Delhi’s Muslim vote bank. However, the Chandni Mahal election primarily focuses on the Aam Aadmi Party and Shoaib Iqbal’s supporter, Imran, spicing up the competition.
