Recently, five councillors from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The councillors who switched are Ramchandra (ward 28), Pawan Sehrawat (ward 30), Mamata Pawan (ward 177), Sugandha Bidhuri (ward 178), and Manju Nirmal (ward 180). Ramchandra and Sehrawat are from the Narela zone, while the others are from the Central zone. Both zones are expected to have competitive elections between AAP and BJP.
Impact on Elections
The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) is about to start elections for its zonal ward committees and standing committee. A notification for these elections will be issued soon. The recent defections, combined with a Supreme Court ruling that supports the appointment of BJP-nominated members, give the BJP an advantage in seven out of twelve zonal ward committees. This also affects the powerful standing committee, which will have a new composition because of these changes.
Reactions and Future Prospects
BJP's Response
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva welcomed the new members, claiming they joined because of dissatisfaction with AAP’s leadership. Sachdeva highlighted the BJP’s efficiency and the benefits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's schemes as reasons for the switch.
AAP's Stand
In response, AAP criticized the defections, asserting that their members would rather face jail than align with the BJP. They emphasized their commitment to honesty and patriotism, following the principles of historical leaders like Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh.
Standing Committee Election
Ongoing Issues
The standing committee, which oversees MCD finances, has faced delays since January 2023. There was confusion during the direct elections in February 2023, leading to a court ruling that resulted in a tie between AAP and BJP. With a BJP seat now vacant due to a resignation, there will be a direct contest for this position.
Current Situation
With BJP gaining a majority in seven wards and recent changes, they are likely to have an edge in the upcoming standing committee elections, provided these elections proceed as planned.
