Synopsis
On the eve of the Mayoral elections in Delhi's Municipal Corporation, BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor expressed confidence in their candidate Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh’s victory, particularly after the AAP's decision to abstain from the contest, indicating a shift in the political landscape.Key Takeaways
- BJP confident in Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh's victory.
- AAP's withdrawal influences election dynamics.
- Election reflects shifting power in the Civic House.
- Frustration among AAP leaders leads to boycott.
- CM criticizes AAP for conceding defeat.
New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) As the Municipal Corporation of Delhi prepares for the Mayoral elections, BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor expressed optimism about the success of their candidate in securing the prestigious civic role.
BJP’s Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh is anticipated to triumph in the election, especially following the AAP’s choice to refrain from participation. Iqbal faces off against Mandeep Singh from Congress. For the Deputy Mayor position, BJP’s Jaibhagwan Yadav is contending against Ariba Khan from Congress.
The AAP, having decided to withdraw from the election by not presenting a candidate, is stepping back from the contest as they have realized the BJP's numerical strength in the civic assembly, Kapoor noted.
Kapoor remarked that the AAP is fragmenting, and after two and a half years of stagnant development, many of their councillors are looking to depart from the party’s agenda.
The BJP asserts it has the backing of 135 councillors in the municipal assembly. The AAP claims 119 councillors support, while Congress appears to have fewer than 10 councillors.
The voting scheduled for Friday is expected to showcase the shifting dynamics within the Civic House, which the AAP had dominated in the previous civic elections.
“Disillusioned by the potential for cross-voting and internal disputes, AAP leaders have proclaimed a boycott of the MCD Mayor election and have imposed undemocratic restrictions on councillors’ attendance on voting day,” Kapoor stated.
“Delhi is poised to welcome a BJP Mayor tomorrow, and with the Triple Engine government, development opportunities will be unveiled. We will ensure that the support from councillors for development is comprehensive,” Kapoor emphasized.
Kapoor reiterated that the Aam Aadmi Party is disintegrating, and after 2.5 years of stagnant development work, their councillors are now eager to diverge from the party line. Frustration over cross-voting and infighting has led AAP leaders to declare a boycott of the MCD Mayor election.
Previously, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta criticized the AAP for conceding defeat by choosing to abstain from the April 25 Mayoral elections, suggesting that this decision stemmed from internal conflicts and fear of political embarrassment.
Reacting to the announcement from Delhi AAP convenor Saurabh Bharadwaj regarding their decision to abstain from the mayoral contest, CM Gupta stated, “It’s fortunate they have acknowledged in time that the tide is turning against them.”
“Currently, AAP councillors and leaders are discontent with their own leadership. The party is rapidly losing influence in Delhi, and public trust is waning,” she commented.
CM Gupta also criticized the AAP for exhibiting double standards regarding election results. “If they win any election, they tout it as a testament to their popularity. Conversely, when they lose, they blame the EVM and the entire election system,” she added.
